Whisper's HUGE U.S. Move! Producer Sale Shocks Industry!

Whisper, the UK-based production company behind the popular Amazon Tom Brady documentary and other high-profile sports and entertainment projects, is making a significant push into the U.S. market. This move coincides with the company edging closer to finalizing a sale, a development that could significantly impact its future trajectory.

Whisper's HUGE U.S. Move! Producer Sale Shocks Ind...

Founded 15 years ago by Sunil Patel, Jake Humphrey, and Formula 1 legend David Coulthard, Whisper is signaling its intent with a visible presence at both the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the International Emmy Awards in New York. But this trip is about more than just hobnobbing with celebrities and hoping for awards. The company is actively building its American presence.

Key to this expansion is Drew Masters, Head of Documentaries, who has already relocated to Los Angeles and is actively recruiting talent. Whisper also has Tina Shah, a veteran of Turner Sports and Bleacher Report, advising as a board member. This isn’t just a whim; Patel mentioned that they're looking at bringing in "a few new people" during this ownership transition, indicating a strategic revamp of the company's structure.

The idea of a U.S. hub has been brewing for years, but faced initial resistance from minority investor Sony Pictures Television and, of course, the global pandemic put everything on hold. But now, with Whisper's portfolio expanding beyond its sports coverage roots into premium documentaries and entertainment, the timing seems right. They've even tapped KPMG to advise on a potential outright sale, suggesting a serious commitment to exploring all options.

Patel himself has been spending considerable time in Los Angeles and New York, laying the groundwork for deeper collaborations with American partners. Masters, with experience on Netflix’s "14 Peaks" and previous stints in the U.S., emphasizes that the L.A. team will be seamlessly integrated with the UK headquarters, with a focus on premium documentaries, entertainment, and sports broadcasts. They are even working on a syndicated late-night talk show with Craig Ferguson, a project that’s been in development for a couple of years.

A new owner could even be in place before the holiday season, Patel hinted. This timing neatly coincides with the U.S. expansion, which could make Whisper a more attractive target for potential buyers. Despite a challenging market, Whisper’s revenue jumped almost 20% to £92.3M ($120M) last year, with profits nearly doubling to £5.5M. This, I think, clearly demonstrates the company’s potential.

While RedBird Capital was previously mentioned as a possible contender, reports suggest their interest has cooled. Regardless, Patel’s presence at the International Emmys signals Whisper's ambition. "Coming to New York this weekend shows we are punching through," Patel said. "It gives you a sense of movement and that we are trying with boots on the ground. Our perseverance and persistence is starting to bear fruit." It seems Whisper is setting the stage for a significant next chapter.