ITV snaps up Dutch reality television show producer

British independent television broadcaster ITV said Thursday it had agreed to buy Dutch group Talpa Media, the producer behind hit singing show The Voice.
Talpa was founded by John de Mol, creator of global television reality show Big Brother.
"Great content is at the heart of ITV's growth strategy and the acquisition of Talpa builds on the success of our international content business and is absolutely in line with our desire to create and own formats that travel," ITV chief executive Adam Crozier said in a joint statement.
De Mol said the deal "represents a fantastic opportunity for strong further growth".
ITV will pay an initial cash sum of £355 million ($532 million, 502 million euros), rising to a maximum £781 million.
"This total is contingent on Talpa continuing to deliver significant profit growth over an eight year period as well as John de Mol's continued commitment to the business during this time," the statement said.
Global success The Voice has been broadcast in 180 countries since its Dutch launch in 2010, while Talpa's other shows include The Voice Kids, Utopia, I Love My Country and Dating In The Dark.