Talpa goes Silverback

John de Mol’s Talpa has sold its interest in format development unit Talpa Scandinavia.

"We had been having talks with Talpa Media in Holland for some months," explained Anna Brakenhielm. "We have a very strong focus on developing formats and when you are independent you can work with anyone." Talpa Scandinavia is now called Silverback.

De Mol, via investment vehicle Cyrte, is part of the group that is buying back into Endemol and a spokesman said that when that deal closes, Endemol, the producer of Big Brother, will have to review its relationship with Talpa.