EMG and Gravity Media agree merger
John Newton (left) and Shaun Gregory of EMG/Gravity Media
EMG and Gravity Media have agreed a merger that will create a global production and broadcast services giant.
The new venture – which will be rebranded – 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, the US and Australia. The business will also have 30 offices across 12 countries, with some 2,000 permanent employees.
The group will be led by Shaun Gregory, the current chief executive of EMG, as global chief executive. John Newton, founder, chief executive and majority shareholder of Gravity Media, will be appointed executive chairman of the newly combined group.
Newton 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.”
Gregory added: “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!”
“This is a pivotal day for the industry, as we bring together two powerhouses to create a truly global business.”
Both Gregory and 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.
The combination will deliver broadcast, technology, production, and post-production solutions across many of the world’s most-watched live events including UEFA EUROs, FIFA World Cups, Summer and Winter Olympics, Roland Garros, ATP Tour, Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, Formula E, the V8 Supercar Championship, the Australian Open and US Open Tennis, plus entertainment series including local versions of The Masked Singer, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, The Traitors and Love Island, and big events like the BAFTA Awards, post-production services for The Crown, and state events like the Coronation of King Charles III.
Read more:
EMG and Gravity Media merger: How Covid nearly derailed the deal and what it means for staff
EMG and Gravity Media merger: What will happen to the company’s brands?
The combination of EMG and Gravity Media brings together two businesses which have themselves grown through numerous mergers and acquisitions; founded in the early 1990s, EMG (formerly known as Euro Media Group) began as a production services provider in France, expanding its services across Europe with companies like United and Cinevideogroep in The Netherlands, CTV and Telegenic in the UK, Videohouse in Belgium, 3Zero2 in Italy and Nobeo in Germany. In 2021 all major companies in the group rebranded to EMG.
Meanwhile, Gravity Media was formed by Newton in 2000 and subsequently acquired – and rebranded – established broadcast and production houses Gearhouse Broadcast, HyperActive Broadcast, Input Media, and Chief Entertainment.