International technology, media and telecoms law firm Olswang has worked alongside ITV's in-house legal team on ITV Studios Global Entertainment's (ITVS GE) acquisition of a minority stake in up-and-coming independent TV production company Route 24.

Route 24 was founded by film producer Marc Samuelson and co-directors Robert Cheek and Josie Law, and has several series already in development as well as the rights to a number of projects with the John Wyndham Estate, providing access to the celebrated author’s IP.The company plans to focus on high-end drama with ITVS GE now acting as exclusive distributor of all of its content.

Paul Lewis, Director of Legal and Business Affairs, ITV Studios Global Entertainment and ITV Studios International commented, "We have a longstanding relationship with Olswang and, once again, the team's in-depth media sector insight and corporate experience has proved instrumental in ensuring a smooth process through to completion."
Paul Guite, Partner and Co-head of Media at Olswang, commented, "We're pleased to have continued our partnership with ITV by advising on a deal that will prove beneficial to both companies and viewers of high-end drama for years to come. There is huge appetite worldwide for quality drama and ITV's global reach and distribution expertise will ensure that Route 24 is able to reach and resonate with the scale of audiences that it deserves."

Olswang worked closely with the in-house legal team at ITV, led by Paul Lewis and Simon Read (Head of Legal and Business Affairs, Scripted and Distribution, ITVS GE), to complete the transaction.The Olswang team was headed by Paul Guite, and supported by Partner and Co-Head of Media Victoria Gaskell, Employment Senior Associate Edward Arnold, Corporate Associate Lauren Wood and Finance Associate Mike Tanner.