Seven West Media Limited (ASX:SWM) is in negotiations to offload parts of the in-house production business that makes Home and Away and My Kitchen Rules to Beyond Productions Pty Ltd. The broadcaster was working with Morgan Stanley to sell Seven Studios before the COVID-19 pandemic began and was in discussions with productions companies including ITV Studios Limited, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and NBCUniversal, LLC about a potential sale. Seven had been hoping to sell the division or secure a joint venture with an international partner to reduce a half a billion dollar debt pile, but the talks are on hold because of the crisis. Television sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity said Seven was trying to offload Seven Studios UK, Slim TV in London, GSTV in New Zealand and the 50% stake in its US joint venture, to Beyond.

But the local production house that produces Home and Away, Better Homes and Gardens and House Rules and sales distribution parts of the business will remain with Seven. It is unclear whether Beyond was hoping to acquire the local production division or whether the offer will be substantial enough for Seven to accept. Seven declined to comment.