Banijay UK Sues Caryn Mandabach After Buying Out ‘Peaky Blinders’ Producer’s Company
EXCLUSIVE: Banijay UK has launched legal action against Caryn Mandabach over a disputed tax bill after buying out the Peaky Blinders producer’s company last year.
Banijay acquired Caryn Mandabach Productions Limited in June 2024, giving it control over the BAFTA-winning Peaky Blinders brand. Financial terms were not disclosed at the time, but a recent Banijay filing revealed that it agreed to pay a total of £14.7M ($19.4M) for Mandabach’s company, which was renamed Garrison Drama Limited, a nod to the Shelby family’s favored pub.
More than a year on, however, there is an unresolved disagreement over who is responsible for a corporate tax liability related to the acquisition. Banijay has filed a “Part 7 Claim” lawsuit at the London Circuit Commercial Court, which handles commercial disputes.
Banijay’s particulars of claim are yet to be made public. Garrison Drama’s most recent financial accounts revealed that it had an outstanding “taxation and social security” bill of £121,113 ($160,000) due this year, though it is unclear if this is related to the disputed liability.
Banijay, which is represented by lawyers at Simons Muirhead Burton, declined to comment. Mandabach also declined to comment. She has engaged an attorney at DLA Piper.
At the time of the takeover, Banijay and Mandabach exchanged warm words. Patrick Holland, CEO of Banijay UK, described Mandabach as “one of the legends” of U.S. and UK drama, adding that it had been “hugely privileged to work with her over the years.” Mandabach said Banijay would be “wonderful caretakers” of Peaky Blinders, and she looked forward to partnering in the future.
In October, it was revealed that Peaky Blinders will return to television in the form of two new six-part hour-long sequel series, by order of Netflix and the BBC. The sequels will follow on from the Peaky Blinders movie, which is currently in post-production and is expected to be released next year. Steven Knight writes, while Cillian Murphy is an executive producer. Kudos and Garrison Drama produce.
