AMC Networks, Inc. is reportedly in talks to acquire an almost 50 percent stake in BBC America.
Cablevision’s Dolan family has retained a controlling interest in AMC since 2011 after it spun off its Rainbow Media division into a separate entity.
BBC Worldwide would still control the American channel, according to Bloomberg News, which first reported the deal.
The acquisition brings together two channels that have already recently collaborated on several projects, including The Honorable Woman, the political thriller about the West Bank and Israel starring Maggie Gyllenhaal as a member of the House of Lords who has a dark side. AMC Networks is the home of AMC, SundanceTV and IFC channels.
The New York Times reported that the deal—whose financial terms are still being negotiated—is intended to cement the premium content providers in a more formidable arrangement, cutting overhead costs and letting AMC leverage advertising and distribution to their mutual benefit.
Last year AMC and BBC America co-produced Sundance’s Top of the Lake, and are partnering on One Child, according to Deadline Hollywood.
AMC, which reportedly has a market cap of $4.4 billion, may be a ripe takeover target itself, assuming the Dolans want to sell.
For the moment, their lips are mum.
