EMG And Gravity Media Combine Forces
New venture forms an unprecedented partnership in the world of global media production and broadcasting.
The Boards of Directors of EMG, one of the leading global providers of broadcast services and media solutions for live sports, entertainment and events, and Gravity Media, a global provider of complex live creative production and media services, have confirmed the completion of a definitive agreement to combine their businesses.
The combination of their complementary businesses creates one of the world’s largest and most significant broadcast technology and production companies. By aligning their strengths, expertise, and resources, the enlarged group will deliver an unparalleled range of media services and solutions to clients worldwide.
The new venture, which will be formally named in due course, will have significant global capability, including more than 100 outside broadcast trucks and flypacks and 40 studios and production facilities across Europe, the Middle East, United States, and Australia, which will be part of the new global business. The business will have 30 offices across 12 countries, with a total of 2,000 permanent employees and access to a global network of freelance personnel.
The combination will deliver broadcast, technology, production, and post-production solutions across many of the world’s most-watched live events and entertainment programmes, working with the world's most renowned production houses and broadcasters.
The group will be led by Shaun Gregory, the current CEO of EMG, as its Global Chief Executive Officer. John Newton, Founder, CEO and majority shareholder of Gravity Media, will be appointed Executive Chairman of the new combined group. Both Shaun Gregory and John Newton will join the main Board of the newly combined group, joining EMG’s existing shareholders PAI Partners, Ackermans & Van Haaren, Watchers & Co and Banijay. TowerBrook Capital Partners, which currently has a significant shareholding in Gravity Media, will retain a stake in the combined group. John Newton will maintain his significant interest in the combined entity, of which PAI Partners will be the majority shareholder.
John Newton, Founder & Chairman of Gravity Media, said: “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.”
Shaun Gregory, CEO of EMG, 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. We’re looking forward to getting started!”
You might also like...
Live Sports Production: Part 1 - New Sports Production Workflows
Welcome to Part 1 of ‘Live Sports Production’ - This new multi-part series uses a round table style format to explore the technology of live sports production with some of the industry’s leading system designers. It is a fascinating insight i…
Building Software Defined Infrastructure: Virtualization Vs Microservices
How virtualization and microservices differ, and workflows where virtualization and microservices would be used or avoided in terms of reliability, flexibility and security.
IP Security For Broadcasters: Part 8 - RADIUS Network Access
Maintaining controlled access is critical for any secure network, especially when working with high-value media in broadcast environments.
Standards: Part 25 - Designing Client-Side Video Players
Here we chart the historical development of client-side video players, describe the building blocks used to create them and the relevant standards.
Microphones: Part 5 - The Variable Directivity Microphone
The variable directivity microphone is very popular for studio work. What goes on inside is very clever and not widely appreciated.