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AMC and BBC enter into $200M 'creative partnership'

AMC gave the world "The Walking Dead," "Breaking Bad" and "Mad Men." BBC America is the U.S. home of "Doctor Who" and "Orphan Black."

By Karen Butler
Scene from "The Walking Dead" on AMC. (AMC)
Scene from "The Walking Dead" on AMC. (AMC)

NEW YORK, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- AMC and BBC Worldwide announced Thursday a new long-term creative partnership that includes a $200 million investment from AMC to acquire a 49.9 percent equity stake in BBC America.

AMC gave the world The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad and Mad Men. BBC America is the U.S. home of Doctor Who and Orphan Black.

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The agreement is structured as a long-term equity joint venture, with BBC Worldwide retaining 50.1 percent, a news release said. AMC Networks will have operational control of BBC America, including affiliate and advertising sales, will run it consistent with BBC's editorial standards and policies, and will consolidate the results of the joint venture in its financial statements.

"The BBC is one of the most recognized, trusted and respected brands in the world and we are proud to partner with it to create a content offering unmatched in the industry. I have great respect for what Herb Scannell and his team have achieved over the past four years, elevating BBC America's profile, performance and productions," Josh Sapan, AMC Networks' president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"A combined AMC Networks-BBC America channel group creates a powerful collection of networks that are among the most critically-acclaimed, with distinct dramas and other potent content that creates a deep connection with viewers. Our content rises to the top on many levels and is particularly well-suited to an era of on-demand viewing and expanding consumer choice."

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"The U.S. is an important market for the BBC's commercial activities," added Tony Hall, BBC director-general and chairman of BBC Worldwide.

"This partnership brings together the whole BBC and will help us reach new audiences in the U.S., strengthen BBC America's position for the long term and create opportunities for the U.K. creative community. We've already worked successfully with AMC Networks on award-winning productions of Top of the Lake and The Honorable Woman and this partnership means we can produce even more top quality drama together. And I hope this is the beginning of us working together on other future projects, too."

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