Germany’s Genesis Broadcast Services sold to Gravity Media Group

Gravity Media Group has bought German equipment rental house Genesis Broadcast Services and will now re-brand it as Gearhouse Broadcast Germany.

The Cologne-based firm was formed in 2014 by Uli Maslak and Tom Gehring. It offers dry hire services to broadcasters and production companies. No financials were revealed.   

The acquisition and re-brand will extend Gearhouse Broadcast’s reach into Northern Europe where it will now offer equipment rental, outside broadcast, project solutions, RF and systems integration.

“We’ve been watching Northern Europe for some time, and Genesis Broadcast Services provides us with the perfect entry point through Germany to what is a very interesting and active market,” said Eamonn Dowdall, chief revenue officer at Gravity Media Group.

“Tom Gehring and his team have done a fantastic job in building the Genesis business. With Gearhouse’s global support network, strength of relationships with key manufacturers and content owners and understanding of new technologies such as 4K, IP and remote production, we will further enhance the services they’re already offering.”

He added: “This deal will allow us to be more strategic in how we work with broadcasters in the region at both local and international events. It also provides more value to our existing clients that operate European-based businesses, as they can now access our services, expertise and support directly from Germany.”

Discussing the news, Gehring said: “This is very exciting for all of us at Genesis, our clients and partners, and the region’s content production markets in general. Gearhouse Broadcast is a hugely respected brand around the world and is recognised for its innovation, high service levels, and impressive list of projects and brands it works with. We’ll now be able to offer a more innovative and competitive service than ever before.”

Genesis Broadcast Services’ clients include ARD, ZDF, RTL, Euromedia and MMC Studios.