European production-distribution group Mediawan has acquired a majority stake in British-Australian production company See-Saw Films, the Oscar-winning studio behind The Kings Speech and The Power of the Dog and such TV series as AppleTV+s Slow Horses and Netflixs Heartstopper.

Founded in 2008 by Iain Canning and Emile Sherman, See-Saw Films is one of the most prestigious outfits on the market, with an awards track record that includes 5 Oscars, awards track record, including 5 Oscars, 13 Emmys, and 15 BAFTAs.

The deal continues Mediawans buying spree, which has seen the French outfit do a series of headline-making deals, including taking majority ownership of Brad Pitts Plan B in 2022, partnering with LeBron James The SpringHill Company last September, and purchasing German mini-major Leonine. Mediawan already has a major presence in the U.K. market with a portfolio that includes production groups Drama Republic, Misfits Entertainment, and animation outfit Wildseed Studios. But See-Saw is the companys first British operation with a major profile in feature films. In a statement, Mediawan said the acquisition reinforced the companys continued global expansion, and its ambition to cultivate rich and diverse talent and premium productions across all genres and formats. By strengthening its international presence, Mediawan will continue to create powerful stories, build iconic content and establish renowned franchises for all audiences worldwide.

Canning and Sherman will stay on as joint CEOs of See-Saw, working with joint managing directors Helen Gregory and Simon Gillis, and Australian head of TV and film Liz Watts.

Similar to the Plan B deal, the See-Saw buyout is a cash-and-shares agreement which will see Canning and Sherman become shareholders in See-Saws new French parent. Financial details were not disclosed.

We are delighted to welcome See-Saw Films to the Mediawan family, said Pierre-Antoine Capton, Co-founder and CEO of The Mediawan Group and Elisabeth dArvieu, CEO of Mediawan Pictures, in a joint statement. Under Iain and Emiles leadership, See-Saw has become one of the most prestigious, innovative, and critically acclaimed production companies. Through this new partnership, Mediawan reinforces its commitment to bringing together the finest talent behind exceptional and impactful content while providing an even more compelling platform for top creative talent worldwide.

As we celebrate See-Saws 18th year, we are thrilled to be entering into this partnership with Mediawan, the extraordinary global powerhouse that Pierre-Antoine and his team have created, Canning and Sherman added. This union reflects a shared vision for growth, creative excellence and independence. It will enable us to take our ambitions to new heights and provide us with greater resources for our team and the exceptional talent we work with, as we continue to bring bold, impactful stories to global audiences.

Mediawan was launched in 2015 by producer Capton with tech billionaire Xavier Niel and financier Matthieu Pigasse. The company now encompasses more than 80 production labels worldwide.

See-Saw Films was advised on the transaction by media specialists ACF Investment Bank, which had been engaged in November 2024 to explore investment or sale opportunities.