EMG Group and Gravity Media, the international broadcast facilities providers, have announced a deal to combine their businesses and create “one of the world’s largest and most significant broadcast technology and production companies.”
The pair announced the completion of a definitive merger agreement which they claim will deliver “an unparalleled range of media services and solutions to clients worldwide.”
The group will be led by Shaun Gregory, the current chief executive of EMG, as its global chief executive. John Newton, the founder, chief executive, and majority shareholder of Gravity Media, will be appointed executive chairman of the new combined group.
Both Gregory and Newton will join the main board of the new entity, joining EMG’s existing shareholders PAI Partners, Ackermans and Van Haaren, Watchers and Co, and Banijay.
TowerBrook Capital Partners, which currently has a significant shareholding in UK-based Gravity Media, will retain a stake in the combined group. Newton will maintain his significant interest in the entity, of which PAI Partners will be the majority shareholder.
The new venture, which will be formally named in due course, will have 30 offices across 12 countries, with a total of 2,000 permanent employees, and a global network of freelance personnel.
The business will have “significant global capability”, including more than 100 outside broadcast trucks and fly packs, as well as 40 studios and production facilities across Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and Australia, which will be part of the new global business.
The combination will deliver “broadcast, technology, production, and post-production solutions across many of the world’s most-watched live events and entertainment programs, working with the world’s most renowned production houses and broadcasters.”
Gregory said: “This is a pivotal day for the industry, as we bring together two powerhouses to create a truly global business. Both John and I believe this industry needs entities with significant global capability, that are prepared to invest.
“Our vision is to create a world-class business that sets new industry standards and can seamlessly enter and grow new markets. This is a fantastic opportunity, which in turn gives our customers the best solutions and quality they rightly demand. We’ll be able to invest in global platforms, end-to-end production, and, of course, the best people.”
Newton added: “This is the right time to bring together EMG and Gravity Media to create a truly global production and media services business. This combination will allow us to play an increasingly important role for our customers and our people.
“Together, the group will offer new products, new services, and enter new markets. I look forward to working with Shaun and the broader team to grow this exciting new business.”
France-based EMG was advised by Société Générale and Crédit Agricole, while Moelis and Company provided advisory services to Gravity Media on the transaction.
Gravity Media works with several major sports organizations including tennis’ ATP Tour, the Wimbledon Grand Slam, and Cricket Australia.
Last year, the firm agreed a remote-broadcast production partnership with video game developer Riot Games and previously provided broadcast services at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
