De Mol buys into German prodco

John de Mol has acquired a 49.9% stake in German formats producer Schwartzkopff TV, which is to become Talpa Germany.

The deal means de Mol’s Talpa Media becomes a shareholder in Schwartzopff, which is a subsidiary of publisher Axel Springer.

Simultaneously, Schwartzopff will be rebranded Talpa Germany.

“Schwartzkopff TV has been our partner in the German market from the very beginning,” said de Mol. “The fact that we work together so well is an important factor in the success of the Talpa formats in Germany. I’m therefore very pleased with this strong confirmation of our partnership, which fits into Talpa’s philosophy.”

This comes after Talpa recently appointed Ziad Kebbi to run new unit Talpa Middle East, and the launch of Talpa-branded prodcos in the UK, Italy and the Nordics.

Talpa is also up for sale following approaches from companies thought to include Shine Group.

“John de Mol and Axel Springer have a common understanding with regard to entrepreneurship, creativity and love for content,” said Alex Springer Digital Ventures CEO Dr. Jens Müffelmann.

Schwartzkopff has been part of Axel Springer since 1999, having launched independently six years prior to that. It produces Talpa shows including The Voice of Germany, and is producing the upcoming version of social experiment format Utopia. It has had exclusive rights to Talpa formats in Germany since 2010.

“Over the last four years with Talpa, we have been able to produce many new and exciting TV formats. We are therefore very happy about the participation and the intended closer collaboration, said Schwartzopff managing director Kasten Roeder.