MUMBAI: US-based Private equity firm Apollo Global Management is close to taking control of Endemol, the world’s largest independent television production company, according to media reports.

Apollo owns a 30 per cent stake in Endemol, which produces popular television shows including ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Deal or No Deal’.

The reports said Apollo has arrived at an agreement with the creditors of Endemol, including Royal Bank of Scotland and goldman Sachs, that allows it to take a majority stake in the Dutch entertainment company.

The reports also suggested that the management of Endemol would back the move to let Apollo have a majority stake in the company as it would strengthen its capital position.

Apollo also owns Core Media, which produces formats like ‘American Idol’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance’.

Endemol in India has adaptations of its reality formats in ‘Big Boss’ and ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’, and original formats like ‘Emotional Atyachar’ and ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’.

The reports said Dasym Investment Strategies, which has a 25 per cent stake in Endemol, has given up on its bid for having management control of the company.