ITV Studios is acquiring a controlling stake in High Noon Entertainment, which supplies more than 25 shows across 18 networks including “Cake Boss,” on TLC; “Guinness World Records Gone Wild” on TruTV; and “Tough Love,” on VH1. ITV is also a leading supplier to the Scripps network with multiple projects for channels such as HGTV, DIY, Travel and Food.
The move follows ITV’s acquisition in December last year of Gurney Productions in the US.
Said Kevin Lygo, Managing Director ITV: “High Noon Entertainment is a wonderful addition to the ITV family. We’ve admired them for a long time and their company ethos. Their shows both complement and strengthen our existing portfolio of high quality programs and we look forward to working with them.”
“Jim and his talented team have built High Noon Entertainment into a successful player in the US non-scripted market. They have limitless creativity and an inventive approach across multiple genres for a wide range of networks,” said Paul Buccieri, Managing Director ITV Studios International and President and CEO ITV Studios America. “We’re excited to have them join ITV.”
Following the acquisition, Buccieri will have direct responsibility for High Noon.
“With ITV as our strategic partner, I can continue my role as a show creator, producer, and executive of one of the most prolific companies in reality television,” added Jim Berger, CEO of High Noon Entertainment. “In addition, with ITV’s vast experience as both a content producer and a broadcaster, High Noon Entertainment will be even better positioned to provide our clients with what they value most: hit shows, both format and character-based, from a trusted business partner. It’s an incredible opportunity for our company and our clients.”
