MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television has expanded its UK footprint by picking up majority stake in independent production company Silver River Productions.

Headed by Daisy Goodwin, Silver River Productions is SPT?s third UK production venture, joining Gogglebox Entertainment and Victory Television.

Under the deal, SPT will take over worldwide sales of Silver River?s catalogue from FremantleMedia.

Founded by Goodwin in 2005, Silver River?s previous productions include Pulling, Supersizers, Grow Your Own Drugs, Inside Gatwick, Kevin McCloud?s Grand Tour and Off By Heart.

Goodwin will continue to lead Silver River as president from its existing London office, and now reports to Andrea Wong, SPT?s president of international production.

The Current Silver River slate of primetime programmes includes Off By Heart Shakespeare (BBC2), Sergeant On Spike (ITV1), Hidden Talent (Channel 4), Elizabeth Taylor ? The Queen of Diamonds (Channel 4) and Restoration Women (BBC4).

Announcing the deal, SPT?s president of international production Andrea Wong said, "I?ve known and admired Daisy for several years and I?m so happy to now have the chance to work closely with her and with her team. Their proven ambition and achievements are the perfect fit for our production network, where creativity and talent are the essential drivers in everything we do."

Daisy Goodwin said, "Sony has a really alluring mix of great shows and real ambition. I know that working with Andrea and her team we will be bringing Silver River?s distinctive blend of originality and entertainment to the widest possible audience, and I am looking forward to bringing their best properties to the UK market."

At MIP TV in Cannes next month, SPT will launch Silver River programmes and formats such as Elizabeth Taylor ? The Queen of Diamonds and Say No to the Knife.

SPT?s other UK interests include a portfolio of seven television channels, an advertising sales joint venture (Dolphin TV) and distribution deals with UK broadcasters and video on demand platforms.