Pearson TV buys TalkBack

Pearson programmes are broadcast across the world

Pearson, the owner of the Financial Times, has bought television production firm TalkBack for £62m.

Shows currently produced by TalkBack include Da Ali G Show, Smack The Pony and They Think It's All Over.

In the last financial year TalkBack Productions recorded sales of £32m.

Comedians Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones, both founders of TalkBack, will continue as directors of the firm, as will managing director, Peter Fincham.

Pearson TV, which has 160 television programmes in production in 35 countries, is part of a group which owns the Financial Times newspaper.

Pearson's best known series include the Australian soap Neighbours, Baywatch and the game show formats known as Blankety Blank and Family Fortunes in the UK.

Richard Eyre, chief executive of Pearson Television, said: "TalkBack brings creative power that complements our existing production business while taking us in major new directions.

"They have a proven track record in finding and nurturing new talent and genres.

"The acquisition will also enable TalkBack to grow faster, as it will now be able to supply talent, programming and formats to Pearson Television's worldwide production businesses."