A+E Networks®, a global media content company, has acquired a 35% stake in Newen’s majority-owned subsidiary, Reel One. This investment will position Reel One to accelerate its growth in production and distribution in North America, expand opportunities to produce more TV content and explore other areas of collaboration.
This new shareholder will enable the creation of more content synergies with Newen, its corporate parent, the TF1 Group, and its entire portfolio.
Newen remains the majority shareholder of Reel One. Tom Berry also remains an owner of Reel One and has extended his commitment to continue as CEO of Reel One. The Reel One Board of Directors now includes 4 representatives of Newen, 2 representatives of A+E Networks, and Tom Berry.
Created in 2001 by Tom Berry, Reel One is one of the most dynamic companies in audiovisual production and licensing in the North American and international markets, with nearly 100 TV content produced per year. Headquartered in Montreal with offices in Los Angeles, London and Buenos Aires, Reel One develops, finances, produces and distributes TV productions for major American, European and international broadcasters, as well as AVOD and SVOD platforms.
Romain Bessi, Managing Director of Newen, commented: “With this agreement, Newen continues its successful international expansion and builds a sustainable relationship with a major media company. Many opportunities will arise from this partnership in the years to come under the inspired leadership of Tom Berry. Reel One’s activity has been growing a lot in recent years and will expand even further with A+E Networks now on board.”
David Bank, EVP Corporate Development & Strategy, A+E Networks commented: “A+E Networks is pleased to expand our multi-year partnership with Reel One. Our newly acquired stake underscores our confidence in their business and will accelerate A+E Networks’ global distribution of premium content to enhance our market share and serve fans around the world.”
For Tom Berry, CEO of Reel One: “This deal builds on Reel One’s great business partnership with A+E Networks and is a very good fit with Newen, and the TF1 Group. This will help to drive Reel One’s growth and strengthen its relationships with broadcasters and digital platforms worldwide. We look forward to continued innovation in content and licensing to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients.”
About NEWEN
Newen, a subsidiary of the TF1 group, is a major player in audiovisual production and distribution in Europe. The group has a multi-genre catalogue that fits diversified client demands from all around the world. Since 2017, Newen has grown internationally with the acquisition of companies such as Tuvalu and Pupkin (Netherlands), Nimbus (Denmark), De Mensen (Belgium), Reel One (Canada, United States and United Kingdom), Ringside and Fictionhouse (United Kingdom), iZen and Kubik Films (Spain). With its international distribution arm, Newen Connect, and the integration of TF1 Studio in 2020, the Newen group has a catalog of 6,000 hours and more than 1,000 films.
About A+E NETWORKS
A+E Networks® is a global content company comprised of some of the most popular and culturally relevant brands in media, including A&E®, Lifetime®, The HISTORY Channel™, LMN®, FYI,®, and VICE TV®. A+E Networks’ portfolio extends across platforms and genres with a scripted production division, A+E Studios™; unscripted production studios, Six West Media™; and Category 6™; and independent film unit, A&E IndieFilms®. A+E Networks Digital™ includes watch apps, games, FAST channels, AVOD, and SVOD products, including Lifetime Movie Club® and HISTORY Vault®; and podcasts such as History This Week™. A+E Consumer Enterprises™ includes experiential/branded live events such as HISTORYTalks™; Alien Con™ and an E-commerce division. A+E Networks International® Includes global branded channels, content distribution and co-productions. A+E Networks’ content reaches more than 335 million households in over 200 territories in 41 languages. A+E Networks is a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst.