Imagine Nation – the global content company launched this week by Kees Abrahams and Robin de Levita – today announces the first step in its business growth strategy across TV, film and live entertainment, with the acquisition of a 50% stake in TV format distribution specialists, Absolutely Independent.

The investment in Absolutely Independent will give Imagine Nation a platform for the acquisition, development and distribution of Netherlands-originated and global TV format IP, its commercialisation and exploitation internationally. The deal will also give Imagine Nation access to Absolutely’s network of commercial partners and creative talent from around the world, and its team of highly-skilled salespeople. The strategic partnership provides Absolutely with an additional network to realise its own growth plans and bring in capital to drive future development.

Imagine Nation becomes a shareholder of Absolutely Independent, with Kees Abrahams taking the position of Co-Chairman of the company alongside existing Founder and Chief Executive, Patty Geneste.

Kees Abrahams, Chief Executive Officer, Imagine Nation, says: “Absolutely Independent is a well-known and highly-respected player in the international TV distribution landscape, and its business fits perfectly with our own growth strategy for establishing a global IP powerhouse that develops and exploits content across multiple platforms. We are very excited about working with Patty and the rest of the Absolutely team to build our business and deliver our proposition to the industry. Our truly independent status, alongside Absolutely’s own autonomous position as one of the very few remaining independent distribution companies in the world, will attract top independent talent and other global independent companies looking to partner for content.”

Patty Geneste, founder and chief executive, Absolutely Independent, adds: “I have known Kees for many years and always had a lot of respect for the way he builds his businesses, combing strategy and appreciation for content in a very clever way. I was looking for the right partner who understood the business model of Absolutely Independent fully and was eager to invest and build in the opportunities we see in the world. Kees fits this picture for 100% and I am convinced that both Kees and Robin’s bigger picture with Imagine Nation will fit our strategy perfectly.”

Absolutely Independent is one of the few truly independent TV content distribution companies making its mark on the global industry. The Netherlands-based company works internationally with independent content creators in the development and international commercial exploitation of content for TV, and also operates as a third-party distributor for broadcasters and producers. It has sold over 60 produced formats to clients in more than 50 countries, including the US, UK, Scandinavia, Australia, Germany and Spain with global successes such as ITV hit Long Lost Family – from the format Find My Family – as well as game show formats The Exit List finalist in this year’s C21/Frapa Format Awards and the recently- launched The Tunnel. Absolutely Independent will be showcasing these formats to the industry at MIPCOM 2012, as part of its catalogue.

Imagine Nation – a new global media content company focusing on Live Entertainment, Film and Television – was recently launched by Kees Abrahams, ex- President of International TV Production at Sony Pictures Television and former 2waytraffic, and  international award-winning theatre and TV producer and creator Robin de Levita. The company’s Non-Executive Chairman is Chris Pye, whose experience spans senior roles at the BBC, ITV and Sony Pictures. Imagine Nation is being advised by Oakley Capital Corporate Finance, the mid-market TMT corporate finance specialist.

Imagine Nation’s strategy is to expand through leveraging its own IP, partnerships and also acquisitions.  Further partnerships and productions will be announced soon.