EMG and Gravity Media announce global merger
Global broadcast and production provider EMG has confirmed it has merged with Gravity Media to create a new unnamed venture.
The new entity will encompass over 100 outside broadcast trucks and flypacks and 40 studios across Europe, the Middle East, United States and Australia, spanning 30 offices, with a total of 2,000 permanent employees and a global network of freelance talent.
The newly combined group will be helmed by current EMG CEO, Shaun Gregory, with founder, CEO and majority shareholder of Gravity Media, John Newton, named as executive chairman.
Newton said: “This is the right time to bring together EMG and Gravity Media to create a truly global production and media services business. This combination will allow us to play an increasingly important role for our customers and our people. Together, the group will offer new products, new services and enter new markets. I look forward to working with Shaun and the broader team to grow this exciting new business.”
Gregory added: “This is a pivotal day for the industry, as we bring together two powerhouses to create a truly global business. Both John and I believe this industry needs entities with significant global capability, that are prepared to invest.
“Our vision is to create a world-class business that sets new industry standards and can seamlessly enter and grow new markets. This is a fantastic opportunity, which in turn gives our customers the best solutions and quality they rightly demand. We’ll be able to invest in global platforms, end-to-end production and, of course, the best people. We’re looking forward to getting started!”
John Newton, founder and CEO, Gravity Media and Shaun Gregory, CEO, EMG
Both Gregory and Newton will join the board of the new business, alongside EMG’s existing shareholders PAI Partners, Ackermans & Van Haaren, Watchers & Co and Banijay.
Newton will retain his significant interest in the combined entity, of which PAI partners will be the majority share holder.
TowerBrook Capital Partners, which currently has a significant shareholding in Gravity Media, will also retain a stake in the group.
Gravity Media has a significant Australian presence, with founder and CEO Newtown currently residing in the local market and heading up the Australian office.
The business has a number of local broadcast and production partnerships across major sporting events including the Australia Open and Summer of Tennis, the Melbourne Cup, the Bathurst 1000, the Tour Down Under, the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, multiple cricket competitions with Cricket Australia, and the AFLW, amongst others.
Through its studios, production, post-production, outside broadcast facilities and specialist camera technologies, Gravity Media Australia is also currently involved with major production companies, television networks and pay television and streaming platforms in Australia across projects including The Voice, Australian Idol, Dancing with the Stars, The Masked Singer, Australia’s Got Talent, Would I Lie to You?, The 1% Club, and I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
In 2019, Gravity Media acquired Australia-based live studio and production business Chief Entertainment from telecommunications giant Telstra Corporation.
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