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Posted: Tue., Jul. 7, 2009, 5:12am PT

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Banijay sets up U.S. joint venture

Company teams up with Cowan, Michenaud

By IAN MUNDELL

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Pan-European TV shingle Banijay Entertainment has set up a joint venture in the U.S. with reality format mavens Chris Cowan and Jean-Michel Michenaud.

Angel City Factory will develop formats for the U.S. market, then hand them on to Banijay Group associates around the world for local treatment.

Cowan and Michenaud�s credits include �Temptation Island,� �Joe Millionaire� and �My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance.� Recent titles include �Secret Millionaire� for Fox and gameshow �Duel� for ABC.

Move gives Banijay a foothold in the U.S. market. With roots in France, Spain and Russia, company is in expansive mood after taking a 50% stake in Germany�s Brainpool TV on Thursday.