FremantleMedia, a television (TV) subsidiary controlled by Germany-based media group Bertelsmann, has taken majority control of Ludia, one of its corporate venturing portfolio companies.
FremantleMedia has agreed to buy a further 51% stake in Ludia, a Canada-based developer and publisher of interactive games, to own 80% in total. Alex Thabet, Ludia’s president and founder, will continue in his position and the holding will not impact any of the firm’s existing management team or third party partnerships.
In March last year, FremantleMedia Ventures took a then-undisclosed stake in Ludia and licenced its TV shows American Idol, The Price is Right and Press Your Luck to Ludia.
By taking majority control, FremantleMedia said it would add customers and new business models for entertainment in addition to its TV business.
Ludia has also moved into social games most recently on Facebook with The Price is Right, and other titles are to follow.
Paul Kanareck, head of ventures at FremantleMedia, on his LinkedIn page said his other investments included FM Gaming.