BBC Studios announced on Thursday that it has acquired STV, a pan-Scandinavian production company, in order to expand its production capabilities and presence in the region. This acquisition comes in response to the growing demand for BBC content in the Scandinavian market.
STV, based in Copenhagen with offices in Norway and Sweden, is known for developing successful factual entertainment formats such as “Big Love” and “Get Lost Honey.” It has also produced local versions of popular shows like “Wheel of Fortune,” “Long Lost Family,” and “Bargain King.” In addition, STV is behind the long-running scripted series “The First Years” across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The existing partnership between BBC Studios and STV includes collaborating on original IP, such as “Denmark Saves the Planet” for TV2, and the ongoing development of a local version of “The Office.”
Under the acquisition, STV’s three existing bases will be rebranded as BBC Studios Nordic Productions. Daniel Svarts, the regional managing director of STV, will report to Jan Salling, the head of BBC Studios Nordic. BBC Studios Nordic Productions will be responsible for producing local adaptations of both unscripted and scripted formats in the BBC Studios catalog, as well as developing original IP for both local and global audiences. They will also distribute and produce STV formats outside of Scandinavia.
The move to establish a wider production presence in the Nordic region has been a long-held ambition for BBC Studios. Matt Forde, the managing director of international production and formats at BBC Studios, stated that there is a strong affinity and demand for the BBC brand in the region. By becoming a fully-independent local producer, BBC Studios aims to have wider creative conversations and develop and export original creative IP from Scandinavia to the international market. This acquisition solidifies BBC Studios as an international producer of scale.
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René Szczyrbak, the founder of STV, expressed his pride in passing on the company to BBC Studios, citing their outstanding quality and strong brand reputation. He also highlighted the importance of continuity in their relationships within the market, as the entire management team under the leadership of Daniel Svarts will remain in place.
With the addition of BBC Studios Nordic Productions, BBC Studios now has production bases in 10 countries, further expanding its global production network.
The acquisition of STV by BBC Studios showcases the company’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for BBC content in the Nordic region. By expanding its production capabilities and presence in Scandinavia, BBC Studios aims to capitalize on the popularity of its brand and provide high-quality content that resonates with local audiences. This acquisition not only enhances BBC Studios’ portfolio but also strengthens its position as a leading international producer in the industry.
