Fane becomes independent as founder reacquires majority stake

Literary events production company Fane has become independent, after its founder Alex Fane sealed a reaquisition of the 80% majority stake from Original Talent. 

The company, which focuses on hosting events revolving around literature, podcasts, the stage and screen, was part of the Original Talent group, alongside sister company literary agency Curtis Brown.

In a statement, a spokesperson from Original Talent Limited said:  “Alex Fane approached us in June about reacquiring a majority stake in Fane Productions and we have now agreed terms. Whilst the deal means Fane Productions will become an independent company, we are excited to be making this step together and to be continuing our fruitful collaboration. We will continue to work very closely with Alex and his team, and we wish them every success for the future!”

As part of the deal, Original Talent will continue to work with Fane as their preferred live events partner but will no longer be involved in the day to day running of the company. 

The company has sold over 750,000 tickets to its shows, working with authors, podcasters, presenters and entertainers such as Margaret Atwood, Grayson Perry, Bernardine Evaristo and Dame Judi Dench. They have offices in London and Sydney. 

Fane has credited collaborative publisher and bookseller relationships for adapting his company to be digitally focused. Fane launched an online streaming service for events featuring  Graham Norton, Ant & Dec, Fatima Bhutto, Arsène Wenger, Sir Trevor McDonald, Layla Saad, Elizabeth Day, Freddie Flintoff, Matthew McConaughey and Nigella Lawson. 

Following the Covid-19 lockdown, the company is taking "cautious steps" back into ‘live’ events, including events with Graham Norton and Elizabeth Day at the Palladium in London, and has an ambitious touring schedule in the UK, Australia and New Zealand booked for 2021.

Alex Fane, 26-year-old founder and md, said: “I am hugely grateful to Original Talent for supporting me in this reacquisition. It has been a wonderful three and a half years working together, but with the impact on the events industry of COVID-19 change was needed. Reacquiring the majority stake will inspire me and all of the staff to continue to innovate, deliver at even higher levels and return stronger than ever.”