FORMER ZODIAK MEDIA AND ENDEMOL EXECS LAUNCH ASACHA MEDIA GROUP

Asacha Media Group, a new, multinational partnership of content creators and producers, launched today, with backing from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. With headquarters in Paris, Asacha Media Group is an alliance of experienced executives with strong track-records in their respective markets across Europe and beyond, who will be investing in the overall group alongside core leadership, while retaining a significant minority stake in their business.

Asacha Media Group’s business is designed to be agile and responsive to changes in the marketplace, while predominantly focusing on the international demand for non-English language scripted content from both non-linear and traditional platforms. In addition to developing, packaging and producing scripted series and films, the business will also produce reality series, kids’ entertainment, factual programming and documentaries.

The group will operate across the EMEA region, with a core focus on France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Central and Eastern Europe. The company will also do business in further territories such as the UK, the Nordics, the Middle East and Turkey.

The company is led by founding partners and Co-CEOs, Gaspard de Chavagnac and Marina Williams, who have held numerous C-level positions at major European media companies, including Zodiak Media Group and Endemol Shine Group. The third founding partner of Asacha Media Group is Marc-Antoine d’Halluin, currently CEO of MBC Group in the Middle East and formerly CEO of Zodiak Media Group, who takes a non-executive role as Vice Chairman of the company’s Supervisory Board.

Asacha Media Group has initially partnered with Italian production houses Picomedia and Stand By Me, as well as the French producer, Mintee Studio, acquiring a majority stake in the three companies, which have combined annual revenues of approximately €50 million.

All founding partners and acquired production companies’ founders are also investing in Asacha Media Group next to Oaktree. With equity support from Oaktree, Asacha Media Group is currently in negotiations to acquire additional production companies in major markets across the EMEA region.

“Asacha Media Group’s aim is to become an international leader in content creation and production with the financial support and business development expertise of Oaktree. We are launching with three first-rate companies that have proven track records and exceptional talent, and we have the resources to quickly expand our international footprint,”  Gaspard de Chavagnac commented.

“Asacha Media Group is building a powerful crossborder partnership of closely-aligned talent, who will each share a stake in the overall business. This model provides us with the expertise and geographical reach needed to deliver world class content to a diversity of international platforms with wide-ranging budgets,”  Marina Williams added.

Lastly, Vincent Catherine and Hugo D’Avout, Managing Directors at Oaktree, said: “We are extremely proud to support Asacha Media Group and are committed to the strategy and vision of the business. During these challenging times, we have been impressed by the skills and experience of Asacha’s founding partners as well as the talent leading Picomedia, Stand by Me and Mintee Studio, all of whom have exceptional track records in content creation and production. Given the strength of its expertise in the market, Asacha Media Group is well positioned to meet the ever-growing demand for premium content in the European market”.