CMS handles a mix of corporate and commercial matters for national and international broadcasters and production companies. Broadcasters regularly turn to the team for advice on carriage negotiations with platforms, as well as electronic programme guide deals and content acquisitions. The group also has a strong presence in TV rights transactions, and sector-related M&A and joint ventures. Co-head Paul Guite routinely assists with high-profile commercial and corporate transactions in the film and television sectors, while fellow co-leader Victoria Gaskell advises production companies and distributors on regulatory and transactional issues. Rebekah Hayes is noted for her specialist expertise in production finance, acting for producers and financiers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Key clients
- Avia Games
- BBC
- Box To Box Films Limited
- BT / BT Sport
- Comcast
- Coutts & Co
- Cutting Edge Group
- Dentsu Aegis Network
- Elisabeth Murdoch
- FremantleMedia Group Limited
- Global Radio
- Immediate Media
- ITV
- Jeremy Clarkson
- Kobalt Music
- M&C Saatchi
- MTV
- NBCUniversal
- News Corp
- News UK and Ireland
- Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS)
- Sky
- SkyShowTime
- The Premier League
- UKTV Media Limited
- WarnerBros Discovery
- Pathé Productions Limited
Work highlights
- Advised NBCUniversal and Sky on its new partnership with African media company MultiChoice Group for the Showmax streaming service.
- Advised Box to Box Films on a minority investment by Bruin Capital.
- Advised the Premier League on its sales process for its UK rights for the 2025/26 – 2028/29 football seasons.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Victoria Gaskell, Paul Guite