Online Reporter
South Africa’s television industry is entering a new era after Rose and Oaks Media announced the acquisition of production powerhouse Rapid Blue from BBC Worldwide, a deal that returns one of the country’s most influential entertainment companies to local ownership.
Leading the announcement, Rose and Oaks Media CEO Anele Mgudlwa described the acquisition as more than a business transaction, saying it reflects a belief that Africa will play an increasingly important role in shaping global entertainment.
“We believe the future of global storytelling will increasingly be shaped by African voices. Bringing Rapid Blue back home allows us to honour its incredible history while building something even bigger for the future,” Mgudlwa said.
She added that the deal marks a transformational chapter for the company after nearly a decade of growth.
“Over the last nine years, we have built a company capable of delivering across scripted, unscripted, film, formats and live production at the highest level. Rapid Blue significantly accelerates that vision.*
“As custodians of one of the most respected production companies on the continent, we recognise both the scale of the opportunity and the responsibility that comes with it. We are honoured to build on the extraordinary legacy established by Kee-Leen and Duncan Irvine, deeply grateful to the BBC for their stewardship, and excited that our relationship continues through ongoing collaboration and access to an exceptional catalogue.”*
Founded by television pioneers Duncan Irvine and Kee-Leen Irvine, Rapid Blue has been behind some of South Africa’s most recognisable television formats for more than two decades.
Its extensive portfolio includes hit productions such as “The Weakest Link”, “Strictly Come Dancing”, “Come Dine With Me South Africa”, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”, “Family Feud South Africa”, “The Bachelor South Africa” and “Shark Tank South Africa”, helping shape the country’s entertainment landscape.
The company was acquired by BBC Worldwide in 2016 as part of the broadcaster’s international expansion strategy, making headlines across the global television industry. Now, after months of negotiations, ownership returns to South African hands through Rose and Oaks Media.
The acquisition is spearheaded by founders Mgudlwa, Frankie du Toit and Paul Buys, whose production company has built a reputation for creating internationally recognised projects including “Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight”, “The Last Ranger”, “Ludik” and “The Masked Singer South Africa”.
The deal significantly strengthens Rose and Oaks Media’s position in Africa’s television market. By combining Rapid Blue’s extensive catalogue of global entertainment formats with Rose and Oaks’ film and television expertise, the merged business becomes one of the continent’s largest independent production groups.
The transaction also gives Rose and Oaks Media access to one of Africa’s most valuable entertainment format portfolios, including direct access to the BBC Studios catalogue alongside Rapid Blue’s existing format relationships and production assets.
Despite the ownership change, both companies will continue operating under their existing brands, allowing Rapid Blue to retain its established identity while benefiting from expanded opportunities for growth and international collaboration.
Welcoming the transition, Jacob de Boer, Executive Vice President of Global Productions, praised Rapid Blue’s legacy and expressed confidence in its future under new ownership.
“Rapid Blue has built an outstanding reputation in South Africa, and we are immensely proud of the talented team behind its success. We look forward to seeing the business enter its next chapter with Rose and Oaks Media, whose commitment to creative excellence and local storytelling makes them well placed to build on that strong foundation. We wish the team every success as they continue to grow and deliver exceptional productions for South African audiences.”
The acquisition takes effect immediately –IOL.
