Helion advises Firecrest Films on majority sale to Channel 4

Founded in 2016 by Nicole Kleeman and Iain Scollay, Firecrest has become one of the UK’s most respected factual producers, with a reputation for distinctive, high-quality programming across current affairs, documentaries and popular factual.

Firecrest works with multiple broadcasters and streamers to produce content including BBC returning series Murder Trial, Murder Case, Paramedics on Scene and Highland Cops, Three Mothers, Two Babies and a Scandal (Amazon Prime Video), Michael Palin: Travels of A Lifetime (BBC Two), The Secrets of TikTok Shop (Channel 4’s UNTOLD), Liar: The Fake Grooming Scandal (BBC Three), Secrets of the Supermarket Buyers (Channel 4) and Dispatches: The Truth About Nike and Adidas (Channel 4). The company recently secured a six project deal with Amazon Prime Video for titles including The Orkney Assassin, The Hunt for Shannon Matthews and Catching the Tinder Predator.

Firecrest has won 16 BAFTAs, Best Small Indie of the Year (Edinburgh Television Festival Awards 2022) and Best Multi-Channel Production Company (Broadcast Digital Awards 2024).

Left to right: Exec Producer Vari Innes, Director of Business Emma Curtis, Creative Director Iain Scollay, Head of Documentary Mick McAvoy, Managing Director Nicole Kleeman

Based in Govan, Glasgow, one of the most deprived wards in the UK, Firecrest currently employs almost 100 staff and freelancers and is renowned for its investment in new talent. In the last three years it has given 25 people their first jobs in TV. Firecrest also runs its own talent development scheme which is highly acclaimed in the industry and has earned the RTS Scotland Impact Award for its impact on developing behind-the-scenes talent across all levels in Scotland. To date the scheme has supported more than 40 individuals to take a significant step up, from entry level to exec.
Channel 4 first invested in Firecrest Films in 2017 through its Indie Growth Fund, taking a minority stake in the business. This latest deal marks the broadcaster’s first majority acquisition since launching its Creative Investment Fund, which continues Channel 4’s mission of supporting and investing in the UK’s independent production sector.

Iain Scollay and Nicole Kleeman, Firecrest Films

“We are incredibly proud of the success and growth we’ve achieved since Channel 4 first invested in us eight years ago. Becoming C4’s first majority owned producer under the new Creative Investment Fund feels a natural next step for us – it gives us the scale and backing to grow further while continuing to make the bold, thought-provoking programmes we care about. We are grateful to Tom and the team at Helion, whose significant transaction knowledge was instrumental in negotiating the deal.”

Tom Manwaring, Helion Partners

“Nicole and Iain have established Firecrest as one of the UK’s most trusted producers of intelligent, agenda-setting factual television. Being chosen as Channel 4’s first majority investment under its new Creative Investment Fund highlights the strength and value of what they have built. We are excited to see how this partnership enables Firecrest to reach new audiences, support more new talent and achieve even greater impact.” 

Helion has closed 16 leading TV production transactions in the past four years.

Helion Partners is a specialist M&A firm providing partner-led advice to leading companies and investors within the media, entertainment and marketing services sectors.

If you’re considering selling, buying, setting up a new company or coming to the end of your earn-out, and want to discuss the options, please email Tom Manwaring at [email protected].