Ben Silverman’s Electus buys distributor

Electus, Ben Silverman’s IAC-backed production company, has acquired Chris Philip’s Engine Entertainment.

The company has subsequently launched its own global distribution division Electus/ Engine Distribution and Philip will become president. It will have offices in London, Miami, New York and LA.

The two companies previously coproduced and distributed interactive gameshow Thumb Wars.

The move will impact Electus’ joint venture distribution pact with Shine International, although the terms of that agreement mean the JV will continue to distribute series including Master of the Mix, P.I Moms and Hiccups.

Drew Buckley, chief operating officer, Electus, told TBIvision earlier this month: “Acquisitions are something that [Barry] Diller is well known for and it’s something that he’s pushing us to do.”

Silverman, Electus founder and CEO – and former co-chair NBC Entertainment – said the plan was to “build an exceptional new international distribution arm that taps into unconventional models and platforms, bringing outstanding new content to the world.”

He added: “The content distribution business is changing, and I believe Chris and his team are a force in international TV distribution with top-level experience in the global TV industry that will prove to be a huge asset to Electus.”

Chris Philip, president of Engine/Electus Distribution. “In a very competitive landscape for fresh ideas and product, this deal now puts us at the front of the line.”