Banijay N : UK acquires Carny Mandabach Productions

Banijay UK Acquires Caryn Mandabach Productions, Prolific Producers of Critically Acclaimed Global Hit 'Peaky Blinders'

Banijay UK has today announced its acquisition of independent scripted production company Caryn Mandabach Productions Limited (CMP). The company, founded by award-winning producer Caryn Mandabach produces the BAFTA-winning global, hit drama series and brand, "Peaky Blinders".

Mandabach, whose list of credits is extensive, will pivot to a first-look development and producer agreement with Banijay UK under her newly formed Conduit Productions umbrella.

Under the agreement, CMP's slate of projects and back catalogue transfers to Banijay UK. Moving forward, the group will manage all future series, spin-offs, and brand ventures resulting from that IP including the recently announced Peaky Blinders movie greenlit by Netflix (which Mandabach remains attached to as a producer alongside Steven Knight, Cillian Murphy and Guy Heeley). CMP's Creative Director Jamie Glazebrook will remain in post with the company, which will continue to operate, post-acquisition, under the new name of Garrison Drama Limited. Banijay Rights will continue to distribute and exploit existing and new programmes produced by Garrison Drama Limited.

Prior to starting CMP in the UK, Mandabach developed and produced seminal hits "The Cosby Show", "Roseanne", "3rd Rock From The Sun," "That '70s Show" and "Nurse Jackie" in the U.S.

Patrick Holland, CEO Banijay UK, said; "Caryn Mandabach is one of the legends of the UK/US drama markets and Banijay has been hugely privileged to work with her over the years (through Peaky Blinders co producer Tiger Aspect and via Banijay Rights), especially on the global phenomenon that is 'Peaky Blinders'. Steve Knight's truly unique vision found a similarly maverick spirit in producer partner Caryn and the series redefined TV drama. We are so excited to be announcing that Caryn's company, CMP, is being fully acquired by Banijay, and are delighted that she's agreed to a separate development deal with us and we look forward to future collaborations". He added: "Steve has plans for future chapters of the 'Peaky Blinders' universe and CMP's other development projects will also come to Banijay as part of the deal. Jamie Glazebrook will continue to work across this slate."

Mandabach said: "As a serial entrepreneur, I have fortunately been able to help conjure up and maintain rights in hits that resonate with global audiences. 'Peaky' was such a show. And imagine my delight in being able to work with Cillian Murphy for ten years!"

She added: "I know that Patrick and everyone at Banijay are fully aware of the power of this franchise, and they will continue to expand upon the intrinsic value of this uniquely wonderful IP. With Conduit, I look forward to partnering with Banijay on new and equally thrilling ventures."

"Peaky Blinders," written by Steven Knight, is the multi-award-winning, epic gangster drama set in the lawless streets of Birmingham over a period spanning the end of World War One to the early 1930s. Series 1 aired on BBC Two on 13 September 2013 and debuted on Netflix a year later. It moved to BBC One in 2019 for its fifth series with the sixth and final series launching on BBC One/ iPlayer in February 2022 and on Netflix June 2022.

Banijay UK label Tiger Aspect, has worked alongside CMP as a coproducer for all six series.

The deal was orchestrated by Patrick Holland for Banijay UK, part of content powerhouse, Banijay Entertainment, with Simon Muirhead Burton LLP steering the deal to conclusion, as instructed by Banijay UK General Counsel Jacqueline Moreton. CAA Evolution, DLA Piper, Gina Marcheschi for 6th St Creative, and Nicole Finnan for CMP and Mandabach. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.