TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jul 17, 2014) - Entertainment One (eOne) (LSE:ETO) is pleased to announce that it has acquired award- winning Paperny Entertainment Inc. (Paperny), one of North America's foremost producers of high-quality factual television programming, from partners David Paperny, Cal Shumiatcher and Audrey Mehler.

Recognizing the increasing appetite for unscripted content internationally, eOne is now turning its focus towards expanding its unscripted & factual portfolio to balance the company's diverse multi-genre overall offering. This deal will see eOne ramp up its activity in unscripted television production across North America.

Based in Vancouver, Paperny has robust production operations in Vancouver, Toronto and New York. From ground-breaking documentaries and documentary series to popular reality and lifestyle programmes, Paperny Entertainment has produced over 500 hours of provocative television since its inception in 1994. The company is expected to deliver 80 hours of original programming this year.

"We are delighted to welcome David, Cal, Audrey and the Paperny team to eOne. Paperny has a very strong track record of success in unscripted television and they will keep their widely-respected brand intact as they continue to do what they do best now under eOne. We won't change their winning formula," said John Morayniss, CEO, eOne Television. "We are looking forward to Paperny augmenting our ever-expanding creative pipeline with compelling stories and factual content for audiences both at home and around the world," added Margaret O'Brien, President, Canada & COO, eOne Television.

Now coming together under eOne, the two companies share a commitment to producing and distributing high-quality world-class programming. Paperny will continue to operate with the identity and culture that has seen them produce multiple ratings-hits that have sold widely internationally and build their impressive library of factual content.

Paperny's recent and returning successes include: Timber Kings (HGTV), Cold Water Cowboys (Discovery Channel Canada), Yukon Gold (History Canada), Chopped Canada (Food Network Canada) and Chow Masters (Travel Channel in the US). Paperny Entertainment's library also includes some of Canada's best documentary series and they are emerging leaders in new media and interactive projects.

"We are thrilled to join eOne," said Paperny. "eOne's vast distribution network and deep international relationships will allow Paperny Entertainment huge growth opportunities and greater ability for our team to produce and deliver hit shows."

Bringing many years of experience in this specialized genre to the company, Paperny, Shumiatcher and Mehler all join eOne. Along with their team, they complement eOne's Toronto-based factual division; LA-based US alternative content teams; and eOne's North American development and production teams to further enhance the international sales slate. Paperny will report to O'Brien.

eOne recently announced plans to expand its US Alternative division. Since launching the division in 2012, eOne has developed and produced an impressive and successful slate of shows, including hits Mary Mary (WE tv), The Sheards (BET) and SWV Reunited (WE tv) and a series of Big Surprise! specials on E! Entertainment.

eOne develops, produces, acquires and distributes programming across all genres. Recent eOne-produced series include Hell on Wheels on AMC; Discovery Channel's first-ever scripted mini-series Klondike, which premiered in January 2014; Rookie Blue on ABC and Shaw Media; Haven on Syfy; Rogue, DIRECTV's first original scripted series, Saving Hope on CTV; and Bitten on Space and Syfy. The latest eOne-produced unscripted successes include Who the F**K is Arthur Fogel? Perfect Storms and Compete to Eat.

Paperny was advised by Canaccord Genuity on the transaction.

About Entertainment One

Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a leading international entertainment company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content. The company's comprehensive network extends around the globe including Canada, the U.S., the UK, Ireland, Spain, Benelux, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea. Through established Entertainment and Distribution divisions, the company provides extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production, family programming and merchandising and licensing. Its current rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 35,000 film and television titles, 2,800 hours of television programming and 45,000 music tracks.