Euro Media Group (EMG), a global broadcast services and media solutions provider for live sports, entertainment and events, and Gravity Media, live creative production and media services provider, have confirmed the merger of both companies.
The merger of both businesses, which will be formally named in due course, will offer solutions in broadcast, technology, production, and post-production across many of the world’s most-watched live events and entertainment programmes, working alongside renowned production houses and broadcasters.
The new venture 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 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 – providing clients with a wide range of media services and solutions worldwide.
Leading the group will be Shaun Gregory, the CEO of Netherlands-based EMG, who will step into the role of global chief executive officer. Meanwhile, John Newton, founder, CEO and majority shareholder of UK-founded Gravity Media, has been appointed as executive chairman of the combined group.
John Newton and Shaun Gregory
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. Newton will maintain his significant interest in the combined entity, of which PAI Partners will be the majority shareholder.
Newton said it was the “right time” to merge EMG and Gravity Media into a global production and media services business. He said: “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.”
Gregory said the shared vision with Newton 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,” he added.