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ITV Studios Acquires Eagle Eye Drama

ITV Studios has purchased Eagle Eye Drama, bringing the team behind the international streaming service Walter Presents into its portfolio through an undisclosed majority stake deal. This team has produced notable shows such as Professor T for ITV and The Couple Next Door for Channel 4.

Additionally, ITV Studios has acquired a majority stake in the Belgium-based production services company Happy Duck, which is led by producer and director Dries Vos and supports Eagle Eye’s global projects.

Background on Eagle Eye Drama

Previously, Eagle Eye was part of the Channel 4 Growth Fund, which is now divesting its 25% stake. The company is managed by Walter Iuzzolino, Jo McGrath, and Jason Thorp, with Iuzzolino being a prominent figure of Walter Presents.

Founded in 2018, Eagle Eye has created several successful returning series, including Professor T, Hotel Portofino, Before We Die, Suspect, and The Couple Next Door, the latter of which Channel 4 identified as its largest scripted streaming launch. According to ITV Studios, Professor T has been sold to over 120 territories, while Hotel Portofino has aired in more than 70.

Statements from ITV Studios Executives

Julian Bellamy, Managing Director of ITV Studios, remarked, “Walter, Jo, and Jason have built an impressive scripted business in just five years. Eagle Eye is disruptive, innovative, and has made a significant mark in the market.”

Iuzzolino expressed pride in joining ITV Studios, stating, “The team has established ITV Studios as a major production force in the UK, and we are excited to be part of its next growth phase.”

Recent M&A Activity

ITV Studios has been active in mergers and acquisitions this year, having acquired Sherlock producer Hartswood Films while divesting its 45% stake in Blumhouse TV. The market appears to be thriving, with Sony Pictures Television recently announcing a majority stake deal for a new label by The Salisbury Poisonings creators Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson. All3Media’s Jane Turton has also been discussing scripted acquisitions.

Helion advised the shareholders of Eagle Eye and Happy Duck on this transaction.

Person

Walter Iuzzolino, Jo McGrath, Jason Thorp, Ben Miller, Julian Bellamy, Dries Vos, Philippa Gregory, Martin Trickey, Declan Lawn, Adam Patterson, Jane Turton

Company Names

ITV Studios, Eagle Eye Drama, Walter Presents, Channel 4, Happy Duck, Hartswood Films, Blumhouse TV, Sony Pictures Television, All3Media

Titles

Professor T, The Couple Next Door, Hotel Portofino, Before We Die, Suspect, Wideacre, The Salisbury Poisonings

Disclaimer: This story has not been edited by Vitrina staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.