Marcus Evans Group has acquired World Productions, the indie company founded by Tony Garnett in 1990.

Although MEG is best known as a corporate hospitality and events company, the move into TV production doesn”t come completely out of the blue. In 2008, it acquired Ken McReddie Associates, a talent agency which represents the likes of Idris Elba and Emily Blunt. At the time MEG expressed a desire to move into production, an ambition realised with the World deal.

Following the takeover, World”s Simon Heath becomes creative director while Jake Lushington of MEG subsidiary Marcus Evans Entertainment becomes head of drama. Roderick Seligman continues as MD with Roger Charteris of KMA named as CEO of the enlarged group.