Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird IMI is making waves in the entertainment world with its $1.45 billion acquisition of All3Media, the U.K.’s largest television producer. The May 2024 deal, a monumental move for the budding media powerhouse, signals RedBird’s intent to play in the big leagues of film and television production.
With All3Media’s impressive portfolio, which includes award-winning hits like Fleabag, Call the Midwife, and The Traitors, RedBird has secured a prime seat at the table of global entertainment. The acquisition expands its reach across scripted, unscripted, and children’s content, offering a diverse slate of programming that caters to a wide range of audiences.
A Deal with Challenges—and Payoff
Pulling off a deal of this magnitude wasn’t without its complications. The acquisition required untangling All3Media from its joint venture owners, Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global. Lawyers from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (representing RedBird) and DLA Piper (representing the sellers) worked tirelessly over six months to ensure a seamless transition of contracts, assets, and employees.
“All sides had a ‘get the deal done’ approach,” said Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s Richard Birns and Nicholas Tomlinson. Despite the complex nature of the transaction, the collaborative spirit among all parties ensured a constructive resolution to key deal points.
RedBird IMI’s Growing Empire
The All3Media acquisition marks the latest feather in RedBird IMI’s cap, which already includes unscripted powerhouse EverWonder Studios, children’s entertainment group Hidden Pigeon Company, digital news platform Front Office Sports, and a stake in Media Res—the studio behind Apple TV+ hits like The Morning Show and Pachinko.
With this strategic move, RedBird IMI is positioning itself as a major player in the global entertainment landscape, leveraging All3Media’s production capabilities and established brands to fuel its growth.
What’s Next for RedBird IMI?
The acquisition comes at a pivotal time in the industry, with streaming platforms hungry for fresh content and traditional networks looking to adapt to a rapidly evolving media ecosystem. By acquiring All3Media’s 50+ production banners, RedBird now holds the keys to an extensive library of intellectual property and a pipeline of top-tier talent and projects.
The big question remains: How will RedBird leverage its new jewel? Will it focus on bolstering unscripted content, doubling down on high-quality scripted projects, or expanding further into global markets? One thing is certain—RedBird IMI is no longer the underdog in the entertainment industry.
This deal not only redefines the company’s position in the market but also signals that Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale are ready to make RedBird a household name. For now, all eyes are on what they’ll do next.
