Mediawan, a leading entertainment studio, has successfully finalized its acquisition of Peter Chernin's North Road Company. This strategic consolidation marks a significant step for Mediawan in expanding its global reach, particularly within the American and English-speaking content markets. The combined entities will oversee nearly 100 production companies operating in 15 countries, boasting an annual production volume exceeding $2 billion.
The acquisition, predominantly facilitated through a stock-based transaction, places North Road's valuation at approximately $900 million. As part of this arrangement, Peter Chernin, a veteran media investor and co-founder of North Road, will assume a position on Mediawan's board and serve as the non-executive chairman of North Road. Scott Manson has been appointed as the new CEO of the company, signifying a shift in leadership while maintaining continuity in creative direction.
This strategic move, spearheaded by Mediawan's CEO and co-founder Pierre-Antoine Capton, is designed to establish a robust presence in Hollywood and strengthen existing ties within the creative community. North Road is set to become Mediawan's primary hub in North America, leveraging its extensive network and expertise. The existing leadership teams and creative partnerships within North Road, including Chernin Entertainment, Kinetic Content, and others, will remain intact, ensuring a seamless transition and continued production of high-quality content.
Mediawan, co-founded by telecommunications billionaire Xavier Niel and financier Matthieu Pigasse, has consistently built a diverse portfolio through strategic equity investments in over 80 companies. These include notable collaborations with Plan B, See-Saw, LuckyChap, and SpringHill. The Chernin banner has a strong track record of producing critically acclaimed films such as 'Ford v Ferrari' and 'Hidden Figures,' along with successful franchises like 'Planet of the Apes.' Their recent projects include major releases on Netflix and a new multi-year film deal with Apple TV+.
Chernin expressed his vision for the future, highlighting the evolving landscape of content creation in the streaming era. He emphasized the necessity of a global content company with leadership across various geographical regions to maximize potential within this new environment. Similarly, Capton underscored Mediawan's transformation from a French independent studio into a prominent global content group, attributing its success to strong intellectual property and ambitious upcoming projects.
The integration of North Road's exceptional creative teams is seen as a crucial step towards creating an unparalleled global platform for premium storytelling. Both Chernin and Capton recognize the importance of international alliances amidst industry consolidation. Élisabeth d’Arvieu, Mediawan's Chief Commercial Officer, further elaborated on the creation of a powerful creative platform spanning all genres and formats, aiming to forge a new bridge between the American and European entertainment industries. Manson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the expanded scale and resources that will enable them to compete at the highest global levels and lead the industry with innovative business models.
