Big Brother firm Endemol has confirmed that it is to acquire Australian producer-distributor Southern Star Group, adding 14,000 hours of programming including hit soap Home & Away to its library.

The Dutch production giant is buying 100% of the company from Australia's Fairfax Media. UK-based Oxford Scientific Films and children's producer Darrall Macqueen will be retained by Fairfax.

The deal includes Southern Star International, Southern Star Entertainment and Southern Star’s 49% share in the 10-year-old Aussie joint venture company Endemol Southern Star. The deal is dependent on regulatory approval, but is expected to be completed in Q1, 2009.

Under the new set-up, Hugh Marks will continue as CEO of Southern Star Group, reporting to Ynon Kreiz, chairman and CEO of Endemol Group. Rory Callaghan will remain the MD of Endemol Southern Star and Southern Star Entertainment, but will now report to Marco Bassetti, chief operating officer of Endemol Group.

The Australian firm's distribution arm Southern Star International will continue to be run by CEO Cathy Payne, but reporting to Endemol’s new chief commercial officer Tom Toumazis. The sales division is set to merge with Endemol's own distribution arm, a move likely to result in job losses.

Source: C21