US media giant Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is rumoured to be in talks to buy indie producer Left Bank Pictures for £40m.

 

If the deal goes ahead, Left Bank would be the fourth UK indie to join SPT after Silver River, Gogglebox and Victory Television. The company also owns 2WayTraffic, the Dutch firm that bought the rights to Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

 

Neither side is commenting at present, but the acquisition of Left Bank would be a big boost to SPT”s profile in the UK. Under Andy Harries and Marigo Kehoe, the company has racked up a number of hits in both the TV and film sectors. Credits include drama series Wallander, Strike Back, Zen (all TV) and The Damned United (theatrical release movie).

 

If SPT does acquire Left Bank, it will have an interesting impact on the distribution of the company”s content, because Left Bank is currently 25% owned by BBC Worldwide. Assuming the deal goes ahead, BBCW would continue to sell some existing content but any new originations would become part of SPT”s fast-expanding international catalogue. It is not clear if BBCW would continue with a smaller stake.