UK-based sports and TV production firm, Whisper Group, is reportedly considering selling off either a minority or majority stake. The company has engaged the services of US professional services firm KPMG to facilitate discussions with potential bidders.
Whisper Group was established 15 years ago and is currently majority-owned by its founders and management team. Sony Pictures Television holds a 30% stake in the company following a deal made in 2020. Now, according to Sky News reports, the group is exploring various options including selling off a minority or majority stake to specific investment firms or rival productions firms.
Recent developments at Whisper
In recent developments within the company structure, Richard Lancaster was appointed as its first Chief Technology Officer (CTO) earlier this month. Lancaster brings extensive experience from his previous roles as commercial director for the UK arm of international broadcasting and media services group NEP and senior tech lead for Amazon Prime Video streaming service. Whisper operates offices in London, Manchester, Cardiff in the UK along with an office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The company holds numerous TV production contracts across various sports such as motor racing (with Formula 1 on free-to-air broadcaster Channel 4), cricket, boxing and Paralympic Games. However it's arguably best known for producing coverage of the 2022 Women's European Championships matches for BBC public-service broadcaster - an achievement that earned them a BAFTA award.
Founded by UK TV presenter Jake Humphrey and former top-tier F1 racing driver David Coulthard; aside from live sport coverage they also produce documentaries and entertainment programming.
The last published set of financial results up until March 31st, 2024 showed that Whisper made a pre-tax profit of £4.3 million ($5.5 million) in the 12 months leading up to that date.The potential sale of a stake in Whisper Group marks a significant development for the company, and it will be interesting to see how this move impacts its future operations and productions.
