Bell Media has strengthened its partnership with Montréal-based Sphere Media by acquiring a majority stake in Sphere Abacus, a UK-based content distributor. This deal, made through Sphere Media International, will make Sphere Abacus the main global distributor of Bell Media’s content rights.
Under the new agreement, Sphere Abacus will take over the international distribution of Bell Media’s shows and films, giving Bell Media a larger role in the content production and distribution process. Sphere Abacus will continue to be led by Managing Director Jonathan Ford.
Sean Cohan, President of Bell Media, said, “Late last year, we set the expansion of our global content distribution business as a core strategic priority. It’s gratifying to see that vision realised through our partnership with Sphere Media and Sphere Abacus. We look forward to continued collaboration with Bruno, Jonathan, and their teams to further grow Sphere Abacus with compelling, global, and profitable storytelling. We’re just getting started.”
Bruno Dubé, CEO of Sphere Media, said, “The arrival of Bell Media will enable Sphere Abacus to significantly accelerate its vision of international expansion in content acquisition and exploitation, with the aim of positioning the company among the industry leaders. I would like to thank Sean Cohan and the Bell Media team for their confidence and support,” Dubé said.
Jonathan Ford, MD of Sphere Abacus, said, “Sphere Abacus prides itself on listening carefully to our customers to understand their changing programme needs, and the support of Bell Media will help us to further invest to service these. Accelerating the acquisition of high-quality content from Canada and other territories, and broadening our relationships with more creators and producers will allow us to offer an even greater range of premium programming.”
Additionally, once the deal is finalized, the combined Sphere Abacus and Bell Media catalog will offer over 5,500 hours of premium content, including popular titles like Deep Fake, The Family Next Door, Scrublands, Late Bloomer, and Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks.