International expansion for talpa media
John de Mol: "It's all about content" INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION FOR TALPA MEDIA
In the course of 2009 Talpa will open its own production subsidiaries in six of the world's leading television countries.
Specifically: the United States and the European TV markets Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Later, the expansion will continue in China, India and Russia. Each market will be assessed individually to decide whether a new start-up or an acquisition is the best strategy.
Further announcements on acquisitions can be expected in the near future. In the meantime, the search is underway for the top managers that will be needed to reinforce the Talpa organisation. In all markets, Talpa chooses to maintain control over the distribution of formats and readymade products. In countries other than the Netherlands and the markets mentioned above, Talpa is open to exclusive collaborations with other producers or local broadcasters, depending on the local market situation.
Besides the expansion described above, Talpa has begun international discussions with potential strategic partners to investigate different forms of collaboration.
Talpa opted for self-driven expansion after thoroughly considering the other possibilities. Regarding his decision, John de Mol says, "The great flow of strong formats that Talpa Content has developed here in-house over a short period of time was the deciding factor. Our strength is our own creativity. That's what I've always believed and I am convinced of it now more than ever. We will continue to invest in the development of formats. It's all about content and Talpa has a lot of exceptional content in stock. With this basis, I have complete faith in our international expansion. It's not my ambition to become the biggest, but I do want to be the best."