ERM acquires specialised media production safety consultancy
First Option Safety Group, a London-based safety consultancy to the media and entertainment industry, has been acquired by sustainability consulting group ERM for an undisclosed sum.
With major titles under its belt such as Britain’s Got Talent, X Factor, The Crown and most recently The Irregulars, First Option is a well-known firm in the media production industry. The firm’s 60 professionals works with many of the leading TV and film production companies, streaming companies, studios and broadcasters to ensure productions are safe.
Explaining why ERM has purchased First Option, the firm’s CEO Keryn James said, “The challenges posed by Covid-19, combined with increasing regulatory and other pressures to keep casts and crews safe from potential hazards, is driving television and film producers to rethink how they operate, with more attention and focus being placed on health and safety measures.”
“We’ve seen this demand grow in our existing business, and with First Option as part of our team, we will be able to rapidly scale up our ability to serve our clients globally,” James said.
Echoing the trend in the market, First Option’s Managing Director Paul Greeves added, “Companies now more than ever recognise the importance of protecting their people and their productions, and are looking for high quality, consistent, global production safety support.”
The move sees First Option join a group with more than 5,500 professionals generating over $1 billion in revenues.
“The joining of forces will enable us to further develop our services and increase our reach for the benefit of our clients,” said Greeves, who is also a former BBC Director of Workplace and Safety.
For ERM, the deal continues a string of transactions closed over the past years. On the back of a buy-and-build strategy, the London-headquartered group has purchased over 20 acquisitions since 2010.
