Banijay at the moment introduced it has signed an settlement to accumulate a majority stake in Balich Wonder Studio. Building a stand-out, international media and leisure powerhouse, the deal will mix the strengths of the established world-renowned content material group, with the pioneering capabilities of the reside leisure participant.

Having already bolstered its place as a number one content material powerhouse, Banijay has over time nurtured a inventive footprint spanning 21 territories and enjoying dwelling to 130 labels. In this newest part of transformative development, it should unite the inventive and industrial strengths of two distinctive corporations to construct a differentiated providing within the media and leisure house.

Founded in 2013, Milan-based Balich Wonder Studio is a inventive participant which has rapidly grown to be a prestigious reside occasion creator and repair supplier, tapping right into a broad vary of institutional ceremonies, model and vacation spot experiences. Firmly on the map globally as a number one reference and go-to for premium reside leisure occasions, it’s credited for the organisation of the very best variety of Olympic Games Ceremonies on this planet and different prestigious occasions such because 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 variety of unique occasions for prime manufacturers together with Louis Vuitton, Formula 1, Ferrari, Dolce & Gabbana, UEFA, MSC, Maserati, Bulgari, IWC, Azimut Benetti and plenty of others. Balich Wonder Studio posted revenues of €315m in 2022.

The deal will deliver collectively the inventive strengths of Banijay’s international expertise collective, led by CEO Marco Bassetti, with the confirmed experience of Balich Wonder Studio’s main reside leisure workforce, led by its founders Marco Balich, Gianmaria Serra and Simone Merico, the CEO Stefano Core, and Carolina Dotti and Valentina Saluzzi, companion and luxurious consultants. A complementary union, the transaction will sign a brand new period and additional development for each companies.

Marco Bassetti, Chief Executive Officer Banijay: “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.”

Marco Balich, Chairman Balich Wonder Studio: “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”. 

As a inventive studio, the reside leisure group has additionally been concerned in numerous public vacation spot developments, creating resident and water exhibits, immersive experiences and landmark icons just like the image of World Expo – the celebrated “Tree of Life”, and the ‘Whale Shark’, a 30-metre image suspended in Doha in 2022 to signify the nation’s deal with preserving its pure atmosphere.

Balich Wonder Studio’s wholesome portfolio of profitable companies consists of two manufacturers, with working places of work in Europe and the Middle East, which is one the quickest rising and most necessary markets for the high-end occasion administration trade. At the forefront of innovation, the ESG-committed reside occasion specialist has swiftly grown each its providing and its footprint, and with Banijay, is now poised for additional inventive growth. 

The acquisition stays topic to customary closing circumstances and is anticipated to shut within the coming months.