CMS advises Fifth Season on acquisition of The Story Collective

CMS has advised Fifth Season, a global film and television studio, on its full acquisition of The Story Collective, a UK-based production company.

The transaction sees Fifth Season consolidate The Story Collective within Fifth Season's studio arm. CMS also advised Fifth Season on a minority stake investment in The Story Collective in 2021.

The Story Collective has produced projects including Disney+ boxing drama A Thousand Blows, created by Oscar nominee Steven Knight and starring three-time Emmy winner Stephen Graham, which is now into its second season. The company's projects, which will now sit under Fifth Season's UK studio arm, include shows in development at Apple, BBC, Sky, Netflix, Channel 4, BritBox and Sky Showtime.

Commenting on the deal, Nick Crosbie, Corporate Partner at CMS, said: "We’re delighted to have advised Fifth Season on this significant acquisition, which strengthens its presence in the UK market and positions it for continued growth in international scripted production. Having advised on the original investment in The Story Collective, it has been rewarding to support Fifth Season through this natural next step in the relationship."

The CMS team was led by Nick Crosbie with support from Jack Richards and Aleksei Norum (Corporate); Rebekah Hayes, Eliza Cohen and Coralie Barker (Commercial); Robert Sartor (Tax); Alexander Lee, Charles Kerrigan and Heather Flaherty (Finance); and Anna Cope (Employment).