Bell Media Goes Global With New Stake in UK Distributor

Bell Media is buying a majority stake in Sphere Abacus, a UK-based content distributor, as part of its push to expand its international presence. Sphere Abacus is part of Montréal’s Sphere Media, which already works closely with Bell.

The move means Sphere Abacus will now handle international distribution for Bell’s TV shows and films. That includes rights owned by Bell Media. The deal gives Bell more control over how its content is shared globally and a bigger role in the business of creating and selling shows.

“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 realized through our partnership with Sphere Media and Sphere Abacus,” said Sean Cohan, President, Bell Media, in a statement on Wednesday. “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.”

Sphere Abacus will continue to be led by Managing Director Jonathan Ford. The company says it plans to ramp up buying and selling of Canadian and international programming, while growing relationships with creators.

Once the deal is complete, the combined Bell Media and Sphere Abacus catalogue will include over 5,500 hours of content. Titles include The Mightiest, Sort Of, Deep Fake, Scrublands, Leaving Neverland 2: Surviving Michael Jackson, and Paid in Full: The Battle for Black Music.

Back in February, Bell Media cut nearly 100 jobs as part of layoffs. Other restructuring efforts last month saw voluntary separation offered to nearly 1,200 unionized employees.

Bell says the deal is expected to close in the coming weeks.