MUMBAI: Big Brother creator Endemol has confirmed that it has taken a 33 per cent stake in Tel Aviv-based Reshet, one of Israel’s foremost commercial broadcasters, hiking its presence in the Israeli market, one of the world’s hotspots for groundbreaking TV production.

The partnership unites Endemol’s expertise in the creation, production and distribution of hit content with Reshet’s strong platform as a leading and innovative broadcaster in one of the industry's most innovative and prolific markets globally. The two companies will collaborate to launch new original content – created and produced by Endemol – for the Israeli market on Reshet’s platforms, which will be shared and exploited throughout Endemol’s worldwide network. By leveraging its global resources, Endemol will internationally distribute new shows, as well as produce Israeli versions of worldwide hits for the broadcaster. 

Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Reshet has undergone significant growth in recent years and is currently the highest rating channel in the country, with local versions of international blockbusters as well as its own locally created popular formats such as Comedians at Work, Irreversible and State of the Nation.

CEO of Endemol Group Just Spee commented on the Endemol website, “Israel is one of the world’s most innovative and creative markets; delivering exciting and successful formats with international appeal. Reshet is already a leading broadcaster in the region and with an outstanding management team the company is strongly positioned to continue its impressive growth. By joining forces with them we are able to significantly build our capacity to create new original, multi-platform content with global potential, which will be shared among Endemol’s worldwide creative network.”

CEO of Reshet Avi Zvi added, “We are extremely excited about this partnership; Endemol choosing to invest in our company is a strong vote of confidence and recognition, not only in Reshet but also in the creativity and innovation of the Israeli TV market that has been renowned worldwide in recent years. Endemol’s vast experience in the international arena will allow Israel’s vibrant creative industry to bring premium programming to the global market, efficiently and successfully. Strengthening Reshet’s ownership structure with one of the largest television and format companies in the world will accelerate Reshet’s growth in both local and international markets.” 

The Reshet tie-up follows Endemol’s acquisition in April of a controlling share in Israel’s leading independent producer Kuperman, now Endemol Israel. Terms of the Reshet deal were not disclosed