Alliance Atlantis Communications (AAC) has agreed to acquire the 61% of Edmonton-based factual programming producer, Great North Communications, it does not already own. The deal, expected to close at the end of July, follows AAC's previously announced plans for growth in the factual and documentary genres.

Great North reported revenues of $11.5m (C$17m) and total assets of about $16.9m (C$25m) for the year ending April 30, 2000. The company owns a catalogue of about 675 programming hours.

Great North president Andy Thomson will take on the role of executive vice president of AAC television production in Toronto. Great North will remain headquartered in Edmonton, under the leadership of Patricia Phillips.