Talpa inks French JV with Shine

John de Mol-backed format company Talpa Media has inked a deal with Elisabeth Murdoch’s Shine Group that will see it produce formats in France and Belgium.

The two companies have launched a 50-50 joint venture that will sell and produce Talpa formats in France and French-speaking Belgium. This comes as part of Shine’s international expansion, which saw the British producer set up Shine France in July 2009. Shine France CEO Thierry Lachkar will run the new company.

Talpa’s latest formats include Dating in the Dark and Viper’s Nest.

John de Mol said: “Over the past year Talpa Media has been exploring the international media industry with respect to our growth strategy. In fact there are three possibilities to enter a specific market:  start for yourself, acquire an existing company, or go for a partnership. I’m more and more convinced that for Talpa the latter way can be a sensible and fruitful one. That’s why I feel very pleased to have found the renowned Shine Group to team up in France.”