THE BBC has bought out ITV from a major streaming app in a £225million deal.
The TV service, which includes hits such as Line of Duty and Death in Paradise, was originally launched by both channels as a joint venture in 2017.
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Beeb bosses have now come to an agreement to completely take over BritBox International, the companies announced on Friday.
BritBox International, which is separate from the UK version, will now be fully owned by the BBC.
The streaming service has grown to have about 3.75 million subscribers and features content from both platforms.
ITV said the deal would allow it to focus on its own UK streaming service, ITVX.
Execs added that the company would return all the money it makes from the sale to shareholders.
ITV content will still be available on BritxBox International – meaning they will still get a stream of revenue.
The licensing agreements between ITV and BritBox have been extended as part of the deal, the firms said.
ITV added: “BritBox UK is unaffected and will still feature BBC content as part of separate long-term agreements.”
BBC Studios chief exec Tom Fussell said: “This is an important acquisition for us.
“We are taking full ownership of a successful, growing service we know well and that fits with our stated ambition to double the size of our business.
“Britbox International has British content at its heart and it generates and satisfies demand for British shows outside the UK.
“We will continue to make significant investments in the future to deliver long-term value to the BBC.”
ITV chief executive Carolyn McCall added: “The sale of 50 per cent of BritBox International means ITV is focused on its core strategic goals of continuing to build on ITVX’s success and growing ITV Studios.”
BritBox International is available in eight countries: the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.