Montreal: Program format dealer Distraction Format has opened an office in Paris. The move coincides with a merger with Paris-based Ross Entertainment, with Grant Ross named managing director and head of European acquisitions for Distraction.

Established in 1997, most of the company’s action has been in Europe and Latin and South America, says Distraction ceo Michel Rodrigue.

One of Distraction’s biggest triumphs to date is the Avanti Cine Video sitcom Un gars, une fille, formatted internationally as Love Bugs. France 2 has extended its buy of Love Bugs to 120 eight-minute episodes, broadcast in primetime.

The company is prepping for the Monte Carlo Television Festival and Market, Feb. 20-24. Monte Carlo is the only program market with a format section and Rodrigue is taking part in a panel discussion with representatives from bbc, Argentina’s Telefe, Pearson Television International and others.

Distraction represents 25 international producers and broadcasters (TF1, bbc, Polsat, France 2, cbc/src) and 65 program formats or concepts.