Blog

First Option Safety Group, a London-based security consultancy serving the media and entertainment industries, has been acquired by sustainability advisory group ERM for an undisclosed price.

With major titles such as Got Talent, X Factor, The Crown and most recently The Irregulars, First Option is a well-known company in the media production industry. The company’s 60 professionals work with many of the leading television and film production companies, streaming companies, studios and broadcasters to keep productions safe.

Keryn James, CEO of the company, explained why ERM bought First Option: “The challenges of Covid-19, combined with increasing regulatory and other pressures to protect casts and crews from potential harm, are prompting television and film producers to take action Rethink your work, with more attention and focus on health and safety measures. ”

“We have seen this demand increase in our existing business, and with First Option as part of our team, we can rapidly expand our ability to serve our customers worldwide. Echoing the trend in the marketplace, Paul Greeves, Managing Director of First Option noted, “Today more than ever, companies are realizing the importance of protecting their employees and their production and are looking for high quality, consistent and global support for production safety. ”

With this move, First Option joins a group of 5,500+ professionals with sales in excess of $ 1 billion. “By joining forces, we can develop our services and expand our reach for the benefit of our customers,” said Greeves, who is also the former BBC Director of Labor and Safety.

For ERM, the deal continues a series of transactions that have been completed in recent years. Based on a buy-and-build strategy, the London-based group has made over 20 acquisitions since 2010.