The new combination of entities will be one of the leading content suppliers and entertainment enterprises in Europe.
The Belgian corporation Studio 100 N.V. with its head office in Schelle, Belgium, acquires a 68 per cent majority in the German brand management and media company m4e AG. The founding and principal shareholders of m4e AG, Hans Ulrich Stoef, Michael Büttner, Oliver Jansen and Cees Wessels (the latter through his associated companies TSC Holding B.V. and WMG Holding B.V.), reached an agreement today with Studio 100 N.V. regarding the sale of all of their shares.
This move will make the combination of entities one of the leading kids and family entertainment and content companies in Europe. The completion of the transaction is still subject to to several suspensive conditions including the approval by the German Federal Cartel Office.
The new constellation will enable m4e to continue investing in new content and its worldwide exploitation. It brings together two perfect strategic partners who will strengthen their local and international distribution power, guarding each other against a growing international competition.
“We are very happy about the agreement with Studio 100 and we are fully convinced that this is the right move for the future strategic orientation of m4e. The international markets are in a huge upheaval and consolidation phase on every level, taking into account the ongoing digitalization amongst others. Personally, I find the new constellation extremely motivating and exciting and I am looking very much forward to working with Studio 100”, said Hans Ulrich Stoef, who will continue to act as CEO of m4e AG, keeping the company on its international growth track. “Together we are planning a strategic cooperation in the area of kids and family entertainment.“
Hans Bourlon, CEO of Studio 100, comments: “We are very excited about taking the next step to our internationalization. The synergies that are created by this acquisition will pay off in the years ahead.”
Picture caption: Hans Bourlon, CEO of Studio 100 N.V., Hans Ulrich Stoef, CEO of m4e AG, Koen Peeters, CFO of Studio 100 N.V. (from left to right)
