AMC Networks has acquired the remaining 50.1% stake in BBC America that it didn’t already own. The £42 million cash transaction was announced during an AMC earnings call on Friday. The BBC America channel was previously held jointly by AMC and BBC Studios, the public broadcaster’s commercial arm.
"We now own 100% of the iconic channel with full operational control, and look forward to what the future holds,” said Patrick O’Connell, executive vice president and Chief Financial Officer of AMC Networks.
AMC, the BBC’s partner in the business since 2014, says it will maintain a commercial relationship with BBC Studios to “support the continued strength of the brand and programming.” It could be the first time the BBC has agreed to license its brand to a third party. The current line-up includes Doctor Who, Killing Eve, Orphan Black, Luther, Planet Earth.