'X Factor' maker buys social gaming firm

FremantleMedia, the production company behind The X Factor, has today acquired a majority stake in Ludia, a Canadian interactive games developer.

The company has purchased a 51% stake in Ludia to add to the 29% it already owns, bringing its overall shareholding to 80%. However, the deal is stil subject to approval from regulators in Canada.

Ludia already produces a variety of Wii, PC and Apple iOS games for FremantleMedia's properties, including The Price is Right, Family Feud and Press Your Luck.

The developer has also recently moved into social games for a version of The Price Is Right for Facebook. Other social media projects are expected to follow shortly.

The deal forms part of FremantleMedia's ongoing strategy to "broaden and diversify" its business scope into new forms of entertainment beyond just the TV operation.

Under the agreement, Ludia's president and founder Alex Thabet will continue in his role, while the new ownership will also not impact any of the firm's existing management team or third-party partnerships.

"FremantleMedia has been a trusted partner and this new investment gives us the opportunity to develop new games using their fantastic international brands," said Thabet.

"We are very excited to be taking this next step in our business relationship and we're looking forward to working even closer with FremantleMedia's extensive global network to build our existing client base and to develop new channels."

FremantleMedia chief executive Tony Cohen added: "Ludia is a leading creator of video games, and after building a successful relationship over the last few years we are delighted to fully welcome them into the FremantleMedia family.

"Interactive gaming is an important way for FremantleMedia to diversify and this will increase our expertise and capability in this area, allowing both companies to develop even more successful consumer-facing entertainment across multiple platforms."

Last week, independent production giant Enemol UK confirmed plans to set up a new online gaming division to exploit its TV formats, which include Deal Or No Deal and Big Brother.