04 August 2011

Olswang helps Zodiak Media Group make comedy magic

Olswang, Europe's leading corporate media law firm advised Zodiak Media Group on its acquisition of Bwark, the independent producer of award winning comedy series The Inbetweeners. The acquisition is the first to have been made by Zodiak since its purchase of RDF Media Group last summer.

Bwark has enjoyed recent success with hit E4 comedy The Inbetweeners, an astutely reminiscent tale following the antics of four friends as they navigate the hormonal minefield of sixth form adolescence. The third series drew a record audience in October 2010 (both for E4 and 4OD) and The Inbetweeners movie premieres on 16th August before going on national and international release. Bwark has also enjoyed success with TV series Free Agents (Channel Four), Angelo's (Five), and The Persuasionists (BBC2).

The company was founded in 2004 by Iain Morris and Damon Beesley (both former Channel 4 commissioning editors) who also created and wrote The Inbetweeners. Mark Lesbirel (currently Director of Publishing and Home Entertainment, Zodiak Rights) will join Bwark as Managing Director.

Olswang Corporate partner Chris Mackie said:

''Bwark has established itself as a leading comedy production house within the UK and their productions will make a fantastic addition to the Zodiak Group.  We were delighted to work with Zodiak and help them evolve their business and brand.''

Corporate partner Chris Mackie led the deal with assistance from Roisin Thomas and Poppy Weston-Davies in Corporate, Mark Joscelyne and Hugo Webb in Tax, and Melanie Lane and Libby Payne in Employment. Bwark Productions Limited was represented by Ingenious Corporate Finance and Marriott Harrison.
 

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For more information or to set up an interview please contact:

Media & Communications Manager
Lily Cabianca
020 7067 3009
lily.cabianca@olswang.com

Media & Communications Officer
Carolyn Finn
020 7067 3046
Carolyn.finn@olswang.com


Notes to editors
Olswang LLP is one of Europe's leading law firms in the areas of technology, media, telecommunications and real estate.  The firm comprises of nearly 700 people including 100 partners, across six European offices.  Olswang is part of a 'best friends' network of leading independent law firms throughout the world.

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