Sparrowhawk Media

Joint venture to develop global children’s television channel.

In April 2007 International law firm Pinsent Masons worked with the Sparrowhawk in-house legal team on a strategic joint venture to develop KidsCo, a multi-platform global television channel for children and families.

The joint venture between Sparrowhawk Media, DIC Entertainment and Corus Entertainment Inc.’s Nelvana Enterprises created KidsCo, a 24/7 multi-platform television channel to be launched in Autumn 2007 in central and eastern Europe, with subsequent launches in 2008 and 2009 in approximately 40 countries across Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific.

The Sparrowhawk in-house legal team was led by Keith Porritt, General Counsel, with Simone Snyder and Russell Johnstone. Porritt led the contract negotiations, with his team also handling the technical commercial contracts and licensing arrangements.

The Pinsent Masons team, working with the Sparrowhawk in-house legal team, was led by corporate partner Jonathan Reardon, supported by Gareth Rees (corporate) and Rebecca Power (tax). The firm handled the joint venture agreement and constitutional documents.

Keith Porritt of Sparrowhawk Media commented “We are delighted to have formed this significant strategic relationship with two of the world’s leading producers of children’s programmes. This is an important step for Sparrowhawk and adds another dimension to our worldwide television channels business. Pinsent Masons’ contribution to the process was typically measured, robust and responsive to the needs and timelines of the transaction, first rate."

Jonathan Reardon of Pinsent Masons commented, “This is a very important joint venture in the global media industry which we were delighted to be involved with alongside Keith and his team". 

KidsCo will feature renowned animated and live-action television series and feature-length movies from pre-eminent independent animation program suppliers, DIC and Nelvana. DIC’s programming library includes Inspector Gadget, Strawberry Shortcake, Madeline, Dennis the Menace, Care Bears and more.  Nelvana Enterprises’ catalogue features international favourites such as Babar, The Adventures of Tintin and Rolie Polie Olie.  KidsCo will also acquire programming from other major children’s content suppliers and will also feature prime-time family films.