CVL Think | Plan | Do

The Background

Emap had built up a music TV business with 7 channels on cable and satellite (The Hits, Magic, Q, Kiss, Kerrang, Box, Smash Hits), one of which is also on Freeview (The Hits).

Channel 4 agreed to purchase 50% of this music TV business to create a joint venture Music TV business with Emap. Under the joint venture, the day to day responsibility for the business transfers from Emap to Channel 4.

Before the deal was completed, CVL were asked by Channel 4 to help set up the joint venture and plan the programme to ensure that all of the objectives of the deal were met.

"CVL brought their focus and expertise to the table and quickly delivered structure and clarity to the integration project. Their advice and guidance along the way was invaluable and helped us with some of the key decisions. As a result, we were able to focus on getting the deal done".

Kiaran Saunders
Corporate Development Manager, Channel 4

The CVL Solution

CVL went through a detailed analysis and planning exercise with both Channel 4 and Emap to establish the operational, financial, technical and organisational impact of setting up the JV.

CVL made recommendations to the executives on the approach for key parts of the set up and integration of the JV, highlighting key issues and risks and supporting the decision-making process.

CVL then set up the integration programme, including an operational programme office and fully briefed work streams, and acted as interim programme manager through the completion of the deal and the set up of the joint venture.

The Benefits

Channel 4 now has an integration programme that is well structured, and it also has clear management and reporting protocols that it can exploit on behalf on the joint venture.

All of the stakeholders are clear on what will be delivered by when, and where the key areas of risk lie.