UK-based distributor Sphere Abacus is run by MD Jonathan Ford and sells shows including Leaving Neverland, Catch You Later, and Travels with Agatha with Sir David Suchet internationally. Bell Media will fold its programming into Sphere Abacus library in the wake of the deal, meaning that catalog swells to about 5,500 hours.

As well making a big move into international distribution with the Sphere Abacus deal, Bell Media’s Cohan tells Deadline about a project dubbed internally as ‘Northern Lights’. It will see the Canadian outfit forge a range of new international programming partnerships and seek to elevate Canadian talent and content on the global stage.