Luther advises entrepreneur Thomas Riedel on the acquisition of the ARRI Group

New impetus for innovation and growth in the global media and entertainment industry: Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH has been advising the Riedel Group for many years under the leadership of Dr Michael Rath and also supported Thomas Riedel in the acquisition of the ARRI Group. The transaction enables the existing expertise of both companies to be combined across the entire production chain – from camera optics through lighting and signal processing to playback. The Riedel Group is internationally renowned for its advanced technology and infrastructure solutions for audio, video and data, and is used in the most demanding broadcast, live event and sports productions worldwide.

A team of advisors from Luther supported Thomas Riedel in this strategically significant transaction with their comprehensive advisory expertise in the field of technology and infrastructure projects. The firm possesses particular expertise in the legal structuring of complex solutions for the media and entertainment industry. This expertise helps to lay the foundations for integrated technological systems that open up new creative and technical possibilities in media production.

“The legal advice provided by Luther was of central importance to the successful completion of this complex transaction,” says Frank Eischet, who, as CFO, managed the transaction in-house for Riedel. “The multi-office Luther team supported us with a high degree of professional precision and exceptional commitment, thereby playing a key role in laying the foundations for the development of innovative, integrated production environments that open up new creative and technical possibilities for our customers worldwide.”

ARRI remains an independent company headquartered in Munich. The existing management will continue the transformation process already underway and, together with the Riedel Group, tap into new areas of growth – particularly in the fields of live entertainment and sport.

About ARRI

“Inspiring images. Since 1917.” ARRI is a global player in the film and live entertainment industry. The company, named after its founders August Arnold and Robert Richter, was established in Munich, where its headquarters are still located today. It has further branches in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.

The ARRI Group comprises the Camera Systems, Lighting and Rental divisions, which are dedicated to combining creativity and future technologies for moving images and live entertainment. ARRI is a leading developer and manufacturer with a global sales and service network. Its portfolio includes digital cameras, lenses, spotlights, apps and accessories. In addition, ARRI Rental supplies professional productions worldwide with high-quality camera, lighting and stage equipment, offering comprehensive services as well as exclusive technologies. ARRI’s virtual production and innovative workflow solutions boost the efficiency of studio operators, producers and companies.

In recognition of its innovative achievements for the film and television industries, ARRI has been honoured with 20 Scientific and Technical Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, as well as six Engineering Emmys from the Television Academy and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

Company locations and further information at www.arri.com or www.instagram.com/arri/

About Thomas Riedel

Thomas Riedel is a Wuppertal-based entrepreneur, investor and founder of the Riedel Group. Over several decades, he built Riedel Communications GmbH into an internationally successful company specialising in communications and media technologies. Driven by his innovative spirit and his passion for entertainment and technology, he has played a key role in shaping the development of sports and entertainment formats for almost four decades. In addition to his role as CEO and sole shareholder of the Riedel Group, Thomas Riedel is active worldwide as an investor, consultant and driver of digital transformation processes.

About Riedel Communications

Riedel Communications GmbH is a leading provider of live production solutions for the media, sports and entertainment sectors. The company’s hardware and software products range from distributed video and audio networks to intercom and replay solutions, as well as WAN and MPLS applications. Thanks to Riedel’s holistic approach, the three business units – Product Division, Managed Technology Division and Networks Division – can leverage strong synergies to provide flexible infrastructures, tools and services for permanent and temporary installations around the globe. This enables Riedel customers to carry out even the most complex projects – on-site, remotely or in the cloud. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Wuppertal, the Riedel Group now employs over 1,000 people across 30 locations in Europe, Australia, Asia and the USA.

Further information on Riedel is available at www.riedel.net.

For the Riedel Group:

Corporate/M&A: Philipp Dietz, LL.M. (Partner, lead), Michael Stroebel, LL.M. (Partner), Dr Ann-Kathrin Jungen (Senior Associate)

Real Estate & Construction Law: Michael Kunkel, LL.M. (Partner)

IP/IT: Dr Michael Rath (Partner), Dr Katharina Preuss (Senior Associate)

Banking & Finance: Christoph Schauenburg, LL.M. (Partner), Stefan Jokel (Counsel)

Insolvency & Restructuring: Salvatore Calcagno (Counsel)

Antitrust: Dr Helmut Jansen, LL.M. (Partner), Martin Lawall, LL.M. (Senior Associate)