Wife Swap is in its sixth series

RDF Media is to join the Alternative Investment Market later this year, following fellow producer Shed Productions which debuted last month.

The move will enable RDF, established in 1993, to invest in programming and provide greater incentives to staff.

Analysts believe the firm could be valued at up to �60m ($112m).

Independent producers hope to capitalise on the proliferation of programming offered by digital channels, and by more advantageous terms of trade agreed with broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV.

"There has been a fundamental transfer of rights value from broadcasters to producers, offering potential for both top and bottom line growth," said RDF's chief executive David Frank.