Banijay to acquire majority stake in Balich Wonder Studio

Banijay has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Balich Wonder Studio.

The deal aims to combine the strengths of the content group with the capabilities of the live entertainment player.

In this latest phase of transformative growth, Banijay will unite the creative and commercial strengths of two companies to build a differentiated offering in the media and entertainment space.

Founded in 2013, Milan-based Balich Wonder Studio is a creative player which has grown to be a live event creator and service provider, tapping into a broad range of institutional ceremonies, brand and destination experiences.

It is credited for the organisation of the highest number of Olympic Games Ceremonies in the world and other events such as the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup; Pan American Games Ceremonies in Perù 2019 and Chile 2023; 2016 Rio Olympic Games Ceremonies (CC2016); and 2014 Sochi Olympic Games closing and Paralympic Games Ceremonies.

Additionally, it has delivered a range of events for top brands including Louis Vuitton, Formula 1, Ferrari, Dolce & Gabbana, UEFA, MSC, Maserati, Bulgari, IWC, Azimut Benetti and many others.

The deal will bring together the creative strengths of Banijay’s global talent collective, led by CEO Marco Bassetti, with the expertise of Balich Wonder Studio’s live entertainment team, led by its founders Marco Balich, Gianmaria Serra and Simone Merico, the CEO Stefano Core, and Carolina Dotti and Valentina Saluzzi, partner and luxury experts.

Bassetti said, “Complementary to us in its ambition and entrepreneurialism, Balich has risen to be top of its game in the live-event space, and via this acquisition, there is huge potential for further pioneering growth. We feel fortunate the team chose to partner with us on this trailblazing move and can already see how together we can build additional creative and commercial synergies, to cement the collective as a media and entertainment powerhouse. In marrying our businesses, we will create a unique universe of globally-spanning premium content, and the world’s most-watched ceremonies and illustrious events – ultimately, a one-stop-shop for creativity.”

Balich said, "We are glad that a world-class player like Banijay has chosen a committed creative team with the ambition to become the world's most prestigious live entertainment group. Together we feel empowered to accelerate this journey. We share the passion for creativity, the ability to create exceptional content and spread emotions, culture, and beauty as pillars for a better world. Today, after ten years of extraordinary growth, we look forward to an exciting future and we are happy to continue inspiring wonder around the world".

The acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions and is anticipated to close in the coming months.

Info@BestMediaInfo.com