UK TV production outfit Company Television has signed a first-look development and distribution deal with UK-based TV distributor Channel 4 International (C4I).

Under the terms of the deal, C4I will handle distribution on selected Company titles and the two companies will jointly develop a raft of projects. The partners are already collaborating on an adaptation of Charles Dickens' Nicholas Nickleby. The 2x120 minute production is scheduled to be broadcast on UK commercial channel ITV this winter.

C4I is also distributing Company's adaptation of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, and Cor Blimey, a TV film about the love affair between Barbara Windsor and Sid James.

Company Television is a sister company to feature film producer Company Pictures which recently produced Shane Meadows' A Room For Romeo Brass.