PEARSON TELEVISION ACQUIRES ITALIAN PRODUCTION COMPANY

PEARSON TELEVISION ACQUIRES ITALIAN PRODUCTION COMPANY

Pearson Television, one of the world's largest independent production companies, has acquired Mastrofilm, the Italian drama production company.

The investment is in line with Pearson Television's policy of building its production bases around the world - it is currently producing 150 programmes in 30 different countries. Currently Pearson Television has one long-running serial drama on air in Italy, Un Posto Al Sole, produced for RAI.

Mastrofilm currently has a number of drama series, including situation comedy and television movies, in production and pre-production for various broadcasters in Italy.

Mastrofilm's managing director, Roberto Sessa, will head all Pearson Television's future drama projects in Italy.

Mike Murphy, CEO of European Drama for Pearson Television, said today: "Roberto is one of the most successful independent producers in Italy, and we believe he will be an important factor in helping us expand our production business there. I am delighted that he and his company are to be working with us."

Roberto Sesso said: "Pearson has more experience of long-running drama that any other television producer, and I believe the Italian market is ready to take advantage of this experience."

Contact: Roy Addison
Pearson Television
0171 691 6830

3 November 1998