Eisner's Vuguru Gets Rogers Investment, Will Spin-Off Tornante

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on October 26, 2009 - 6:20am.

Los Angeles - Vuguru, the two-year-old new media studio launched by former Disney head Michael Eisner's Tornante Company, announced on Monday that it has secured an investment from Canadian broadcaster and publisher Rogers Media, and will spin-off as an independent company. The deal also sees Rogers entering a long-term agreement to be the exclusive Canadian distributor of future Vuguru projects.

With the funding -- financial details of which were not disclosed -- Vuguru plans to ramp up its output to 30 series a year, while continuing to work with brand sponsors and distribution platforms to meet programming goals.

Projects in the pipeline for 2010, expected to include 10-15 new series, include "Prom Queen: The Homecoming"; "The Booth at the End"; and "Pretty Tough."

"This deal not only solidifies Vuguru's position as a leader in the new media landscape, but it also allows us to stay true to our creative and business philosophy of owning and distributing high-quality, story-driven content," said Michael Eisner.

"Rogers is a world-class media organization and we are excited about the opportunities this relationship presents for both companies."

http://tinyurl.com/ylpbqd3 (WSJ)

http://www.rogers.com

http://www.vuguru.com