Factual specialist 11 Television, which is based in Toronto and has a production office in Los Angeles, has joined with Australian prodco Essential Media and Entertainment in a strategic partnership to better access the three national TV markets.

The new company, Essential 11 Media Group, was unveiled Thursday. As part of the deal, Essential Media CEO Chris Hilton (pictured) becomes the CEO of Essential 11. 11 Television’s Kevin Healey becomes the new company’s chief creative officer and executive producer while 11 Television’s Jesse Fawcett becomes its chief operating officer and executive producer.

The deal sees Essential Media continue to make factual, drama and kids’ content for both the Australian and the international market. Meanwhile, 11 Television will maintain its focus on factual formats.

“There are great synergies to be had in developing hit formats across the group with simultaneous access to broadcasters in three English speaking territories,” said Hilton in a statement.

“This is why we’ve invested in this partnership with 11 Television, which is helmed by industry leaders and veteran executive producers Healey and Fawcett,” he added.

The companies already have numerous reality formats and factual programs in the pipeline or that have aired with broadcasters north and south of the border. They include the announced Propos’d for Oxygen, Destination Fear which airs on Travel Channel and Travel & Leisure Canada and Cover Me Canada which reportedly hasn’t been renewed.

The Essential 11 Media Group is represented by United Talent Artists (UTA) in Los Angeles.