MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has taken a stake in Elizabeth Murdochs UK production company Shine entertainment.

As per the deal SPTI will distribute the television content of Shine internationally.

SPTI will invest growth capital in Shine and become a minority equity shareholder, alongside current investor 3i. Shine and SPTI's UK production teams will continue to operate independently but will also work together to develop new dramas and other programming. SPTI will distribute all Shine original programs and formats worldwide, except in the US, where Shine will continue to represent their own formats and SPTI will distribute Shine's completed programming.

SPTI president Michael Grindon said, SPTI has had a long history of producing popular original shows and formats with local broadcasters and producers. Becoming a strategic partner in Shine is a perfect fit with our growth plans for our international production and distribution businesses. With Shines impressive roster of production talent, we look forward to continued expansion of its production business.

The daughter of Rupert Murdoch, Elizabeth Murdoch is credited with makiing a mark on the media world on her own. Elizabeth Murdoch who is the chairman and CEO of Shine says, We are confident that our expanded partnership with Sony will allow Shine to continue to grow at an accelerated pace. Having the support of one of the worlds leading distributors will offer Shines extraordinary creative executives the worldwide platform and resources to realise their fullest potential.