Eyeworks’ Oerlemans recovering after heart attack

Eyeworks founder Reinout Oerlemans is in hospital after suffering a heart attack on Sunday.

Oerlemans – who last month agreed to sell Eyeworks to Warner Bros. International Television Production for €200 million (US$277.4 million) – felt ill after a hockey match and after heading home in discomfort decided to drive himself to a local hospital.

Upon arrival, the 42 year-old exec was found to be having a suspected heart attack and underwent successful bypass surgery. He is now recovering in a Dutch hospital.

Oerlemans had been due to move his family to LA in order for him to lead Eyeworks USA, which was not part of the Warner Bros. deal.

Eyeworks, which Oerlemans launched in 2001, is behind formats such as Celebrity Splash, Who Wants to Marry My Son?, Test the Nation and Beat the Blondes.