Major European production and distribution groups: ITV Studios

ITV Studios was created in 2004 through the merger of two of UK commercial broadcaster ITV’s largest franchises: Granada and Carlton. They formed production and distribution division ITV Studios, which has grown rapidly in recent years through acquisitions and organic growth as ITV sought to lessen its reliance on advertising revenue.

Its labels now span across 13 countries, and are behind the likes of hit Netflix drama One Piece, Squid Game: The Challenge, The Voice and Love Island as well as long-running UK soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Among the high-profile scripted talent under the ITV Studios umbrella are Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements of Tomorrow Studios, Moritz Poulter of Windlight Pictures, Nicola Shindler of Quay Street Productions and Ben Stephenson of Poison Pen Studios. ITV Studios’ distribution arm is a major international force: the second series of World Productions’ Vigil sold across the globe, while the likes of Litvinenko and The Ipcress File have aired in more than 100 countries.

Non-scripted is a key focus too. The Voice is now in 74 territories, while Love Island and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! are commissioned in 27 and 17 countries respectively.

Last year, ITV explored a deal to buy rival group All3Media, but pulled back from discussions.

• In focus: the major European production and distribution groups