Banijay Kids & Family Expands Portfolio with Procidis Acquisition

Banijay Kids & Family, behind shows such as “Totally Spies!” and “Mr Bean: The Animated Series,” has announced the majority acquisition of French production company, Procidis, creator of the edutaining saga, “Once Upon a Time …,” and inclusive of its umbrella brand, Hello Maestro. The complementary deal broadens the group’s existing portfolio of premium kids’ labels and marks its first edutainment-focused producer.

Procidis was established in 1962 by the late Albert Barillé and since 2009 has been led by Hélène Barillé as president, who will remain as managing director, Procidis, following the acquisition. Banijay Kids & Family, led by Benoît Di Sabatino, takes on the role of president, Procidis.

“Procidis has been a leader in the educational entertainment market for more than 40 years, and as a huge fan of its work, it’s an honor to welcome the team to the group,” says Di Sabatino. “Procidis and Hello Maestro have unique identities which perfectly complement our existing labels and brands. I know how important the company is to Hélène and with her remaining on board to retain and champion the DNA the business was built on, it is with great enthusiasm that together we will lead Procidis in its next phase of growth.”

“I’m proud of the company and brands we have established, building on Albert’s prescient vision of the importance and positive impact of learning through entertainment,” says Barillé. “We have an ambitious growth strategy, and with Banijay Kids & Family’s world-class capabilities, we are well-placed to realize these ambitions. The company echoes our core values of family and trust, which makes it the perfect home for us to enter this exciting new chapter.”

Related:10 Minutes With … Banijay Kids & Family on ‘Totally Spies!’