Banijay Benelux acquires Belgian ‘Black-out’ producer Jonnydepony

Black-out

Banijay Benelux is acquiring its second production firm in as many months, taking a majority stake in Belgium’s Jonnydepony.

Founded in 2015 by by Philippe De Schepper, and led by Helen Perquy, who has been co-owner since 2018, Jonnydepony is a scripted label behind titles including Black-out, which has sold in eight countries, including Canada, the US, Russia, Australia, Asia and the Netherlands; Transport, which debuted on YLE in Finland in March 2022 and the upcoming Arcadia, which will soon land on VRT, KRO-NCRV and WDR/SWR.

Peter Lubbers, CEO of Banijay Benelux described Jonnydepony as “a magnet for great talent in front of, and behind-the-camera.”

The deal comes just a few weeks after Banijay Benilux, which is behind the soap opera Familie, acquired Topkapi, the Amsterdam-based producer of Flying Dutchmen and The Terrible Eighties.

Banijay Benelux is also home to content producers EndemolShine Nederland, SimpelZodiak, NL Film, TVBV, Scenery, EndemolShine Scripted, Southfields, Posh Productions and Banijay Belgium.

Perquy & De Schepper commented: “In the rapidly evolving media ecosystem, it is nice that a partner like Banijay, which values IP rights, is strong in global distribution and has a global creative network, joins forces with our company. We look forward to working with the group to further grow our business in both the local and international markets.”