Endemol, SMG ink China pact

LONDON -- Endemol and Shanghai Media Group have pacted to develop and produce content via their subsidies Endemol Asia and Entertainment Team Media Group. The fare will be aimed at both Chinese and international markets. Endemol is to retain exclusive distribution and format rights outside China for new IP covered by the partnership, while SMG will have the equivalent rights in China. The pair will establish a joint creative team, and collaborate on making local Chinese version of Endemol's shows, which include "Big Brother" and "Deal or No Deal." SMG is China's second largest broadcaster, and operates 15 free-to-air webs channels, 35 pay channels, plus interests in radio, print, IPTV and mobile TV. Entertainment Team, which bowed in April, both supplies and acquires content. Yang Wenhong, VP of SMG and CEO of ET, said: "This long-term strategic partnership will play an important role as we look to expand our operations and creative output, both nationally and internationally." Arjen van Mierlo, Endemol's CEO of Asian Operations, added: "China holds extraordinary opportunities for creative companies like Endemol and this alliance with one of the country's leading broadcasters positions us strongly in this rapidly growing market." Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

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