Acquisition further amplifies eOne’s US-based alternative programming business
 
Los Angeles – March 24, 2016 – In its commitment to delivering cutting-edge television programming to audiences around the world, leading independent studio Entertainment One (eOne) is pleased to announce that it has acquired a 65% interest in David Garfinkle and Jay Renfroe’s award-winning unscripted production company Renegade 83. The deal was announced today by John Morayniss, eOne Television’s Chief Executive Officer.

Garfinkle and Renfroe continue to lead Renegade 83, as Co-President & Chief Executive Officers, which will operate with the identity and brand that has seen them produce multiple ratings-hits that have sold widely internationally and build their impressive portfolio of reality television content.

The transaction brings together two companies that share a commitment to producing and distributing bold high-quality world-class programming. California-based Renegade 83, which launched in 1994, is one of the fastest growing and most successful unscripted production companies in the reality television space, and is behind such hit shows as Naked & Afraid, Naked and Afraid: XL, Fit to Fat to Fit, 4400, The Kennedy Detail and Blind Date. Renegade 83 will continue to focus on creating programming for broadcast networks, cable and first run syndication, which eOne will manage and control globally.
“We are thrilled to welcome David, Jay and the Renegade 83 team to eOne. Renegade is truly best-in-class with a winning formula and a strong track record of success in unscripted television. We are looking forward to collaborating as they continue to do what they do best now powered by eOne,” said John Morayniss, CEO, eOne Television. “Renegade complements our expansive reality slate and augments our ever-growing creative pipeline with authentic stories for audiences both at home and around the world.”

"We are delighted to join John and the team at eOne,” said Garfinkle and Renfroe. "As an indie studio, eOne's vast distribution network and deep international relationships will support us in our growth and open the door to exciting new partnerships that will enable us to make standout programming with greater reach."
 
Renegade 83 builds on eOne’s strong unscripted production activities in the North American market, where eOne is expected to deliver more than 400 hours of unscripted television this year. In the US, eOne has formidable lineup including David Spade’s comedy prank show Fameless (truTV), and long-running hit Mary Mary (WE tv). Additionally, in Canada, eOne and its wholly-owned companies Paperny Entertainment and Force Four Entertainment, have recently produced Keeping Canada Alive (CBC) and Great Wild North (History).
Note to the editor:
eOne was represented in the transaction by Matt Thompson of Sidley Austin, LLP; with Richard Gray and Thomas Dey of ACF Investment Bank, and David Sands of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP for Renegade 83.
 
About Entertainment One
Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a leading international entertainment company that specialises in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content. The Company's comprehensive network extends around the globe including Canada, the US, the UK, Ireland, Spain, the Benelux, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Through established Film and Television Divisions, the Company provides extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production, family programming, merchandising and licensing, and digital content. Its current rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 40,000 film and television titles, 4,500 hours of television programming and 45,000 music tracks.

About Renegade 83
Renegade 83 has had continued success with such shows as Discovery's Naked & Afraid, the highest rated premiere in households in the history of the network, Man, Woman, Wild, and Emmy nominated documentary special The Kennedy Detail, CMT’s Gone Country, ABC’s Miracle Workers, NBC’s The Law Firm, and USA’s Emmy nominated scripted series, The 4400. Renegade is currently in production on an expansive slate of shows for networks including Fox, NBC, Discovery, History, A&E, TBS, USA, TRU, E!, Lifetime, MTV, and others.

For more information:
Jackie Rubin
jrubin@entonegroup.com
416-979-7256