Whisper will return to private ownership with Sony Pictures Television (SPT) divesting its 30% shareholding in the UK sports and TV production firm.
SPT will leave with a “significant return” on its original investment after supporting the growth of the company for five years.
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During that time, Whisper claims to have seen profit and revenue grow almost 500%.
Whisper will continue to work with SPT through strategic partnerships on entertainment products, as well as a range of sports and media projects.
In its return to private ownership, Whisper said it will use external finance to deliver a “bold and ambitious strategy, create an employee equity scheme, and allow the management team – led by CEO and founder, Sunil Patel – to drive new growth and market expansion.”
Patel said: “Five years ago, Whisper set off on a journey to become a multi-genre production company. That has been absolutely delivered – creatively, commercially, and culturally – with revenue up nearly 500%.
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By GlobalData“It would not have been possible without our bold vision and partnership with Sony, which helped elevate Whisper to a truly global force. It was that collaboration, alongside our valued partners, that has helped us create a scalable business.
“The next chapter of Whisper’s story is already underway, and that will continue to place our people at the heart by ensuring they share in future growth alongside shareholders.”
Whisper has partnerships with several major organisations and brands across sports, media, and entertainment.
The company holds TV production contracts in elite motor racing with Formula 1 (F1), on free-to-air broadcaster Channel 4, cricket, boxing, French tennis' Roland Garros grand slam, and the Paralympic Games.
Whisper was originally founded by UK TV presenter Jake Humphrey and former F1 racing driver David Coulthard.
Outside of live sport, meanwhile, it also produces documentaries and entertainment programming.
The last published set of annual financial results – up to March 31, 2024 – shows Whisper made a pre-tax profit of £4.3 million ($5.5 million).
In March 2025, Sky News reported that Whisper was engaged in discussions to sell either a minority or majority stake in the business, with US professional services firm KPMG hired to manage the process.
Later in the year, Sky News also reported that Redbird IMI, a joint venture between US investment firm Redbird Capital Partners and UAE-based International Media Investments, was among the firms looking to acquire Whisper.
Following SPT’s divestment, the firm today stated: “Whisper has spent the last year analysing the market and making the structural changes required for the business to best take advantage of the burgeoning and rapidly evolving sports, media, and entertainment market.
“In consultation with all shareholders, a return to private ownership – allied to an ambitious growth plan – will position Whisper as one of the most entrepreneurial, disruptive, and innovative leaders in the sector.”
Whisper currently has offices in the UK cities of London, Manchester, and Cardiff, as well as one in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.
