Shine has acquired the company behind Life on Mars, Kudos Film and Television, for around £35 million.

Kudos will continue to operate independently under its existing name, with its joint managing directors Stephen Garrett and Jane Featherstone taking places on the Shine board. Garrett said he was confident the deal was the right fit to take Kudos forward to the next stage.

Shine, which is 15% owned by Sony Pictures Television International, is also in discussions over the acquisition of Friday Night Project producer Princess Productions and Firefly Film and Television Productions.

Both deals are expected to be completed in the next two weeks, giving Shine a total turnover of around £95 million.