StudioCanal, a unit of VivendiSA subsidiary Canal+ Group, is investing in several independent productioncompanies in a bid to accelerate its development in TV production.

Under the deals, StudioCanal is acquiring a 20% stake in BenedictCumberbatch's SunnyMarch TV, a 20% stake in "Atlantis" producer UrbanMyth Films, both based in London, and a 33% stake in Spain-based , which is producing 's first Spanish series.

Each deal includes distribution agreement, the company said inan April 4 news release.

The company said that the deals are a part of StudioCanal's pushto strengthen its position as European leader in the production of local and internationalTV series.