XTV adds Red Pepper to its arsenal

TV design production facility XTV has acquired broadcast specialist Red Pepper ID, following the latter’s liquidation last month due to bad debt (DW 9 August).

The move is intended to bolster XTV’s design and branding offer.

Former Red Pepper ID managing director Richard Markell and creative director Bob Cosford become XTV executive producer and executive creative director respectively. Another former Red Pepper employee is joining XTV: designer Dal Bhatia.

It has not yet been decided whether the expanded XTV will retain its name, incorporate Red Pepper ID or change its name entirely, says an XTV spokesman.

XTV and Red Pepper ID have enjoyed a ‘healthy’ long-term client/ competitor relationship before deciding to join forces, according to Markell. The two companies collaborated on ITV Drama Premiers identities and two Wella commercials, among others.

The acquisition bucks the current industry slowdown, says the XTV spokesman.

Markell and Cosford are bringing several former Red Pepper clients to XTV, including UEFA, ITV Sport and Now Channel, says Markell. XTV will continue to work with clients such as Heineken, CNN and Nokia.

‘Since Red Pepper’s formation [in 1992], we have strived to develop a creative reputation within the TV design business,’ says Markell. ‘Our new relationship with XTV will enable us to fulfill a business potential we could never have previously achieved.’

Former Ricochet 4 graphic designer Sue Land also joins XTV, from the beginning of September. She will be based in Bristol.

‘The [Red Pepper] alliance will allow us to build on our core design strength and widen our mix of specialist abilities,’ says XTV managing director Mike Parry.