SMB’s Corporate, Commercial & Finance team are pleased to have acted for Banijay UK in an exciting new investment deal into scripted drama producer, Conker Pictures, as part of Banijay’s recently announced UK Growth Fund. This investment will provide Conker Pictures, a new production company established by Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin, with the necessary funds to invest in its development slate.
Banijay is a global leader in content production and distribution, boasting over 120 production companies operating in 22 territories. With its extensive reach and resources, Banijay has established itself as the largest international content producer and distributor in the world.
Conker Pictures, led by Kim Varvell and Tommy Bulfin, brings a wealth of production and commissioning experience from their previous roles at Apple TV+ and the BBC, respectively. Tommy Bulfin has overseen successful shows such as Peaky Blinders, Normal People, and SAS Rogue Heroes, while Kim Varvell has been responsible for upcoming productions like Hijack, Bad Sisters, and Suspicion.
The SMB team who gave their expertise to this deal consisted of Partner Neal Hodges, who led the deal, and Senior Associate Jack Heywood, with support from Partner and Co-head of the Employment team, Tamara Ludlow. All of us at SMB congratulate Banijay UK and Conker Pictures on their exciting new partnership.
Our client’s official press release is available here: Banijay UK backs Tommy Bulfin and Kim Varvell start up – Banijay Group – We are Banijay
We are delighted that Saul Lehrfreund and Parvais Jabbar have been appointed to the House of Lords as life peers, recognising their outstanding contributions to human rights, access to justice and criminal justice reform.
Read moreSMB is delighted to again have been awarded Band 1 ranking for Family and Matrimonial Finance in the latest Chambers High Net Worth Guide.
Read moreMuch of the attention around the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) has focused on technical changes that appeal to data protection geeks (like me and my colleagues?) such as the scope of a reasonable and proportionate search, how controllers can use automated decision-making and a broad lawful basis of legitimate interests for scientific research. However, one of the most immediate practical changes for all organisations is the introduction of a formal requirement to have a process for handling data protection complaints. This affects every organisation that processes personal data.
Read more