Asacha Media Group strikes with Arrow Media acquisition

Asacha Media Group has increased its UK indie ownership through the acquisition of Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom producer Arrow Media.

The French media giant has funded the purchase of the documentary specialists through a mix of existing shareholders equity and debt financing by asset management firm Tikehau Capital.

In adding Arrow Media, ASG has expanded both its UK and factual production portfolio following the acquisition of drama outfit Red Planet Pictures and unscripted producer Wag Entertainment.

Arrow will continue to pursue growth in the UK and US, while expanding into new markets and exploring international co-production opportunities with other factual producers within Asacha’s pan-European group.

Founded in 2011, Arrow Media is one of the UK’s leading true indies, producing over 100 hours of premium factual in the US and UK across genres such as true crime, history, nature, adventure, and science.

Its recent slate includes eight series Investigation Discovery’s returner See No Evil and Who Killed Biggie and Tupac?, National Geographic and Disney+’s Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and BBC2’s Brian Cox: Seven Days on Mars.

Co-founders Tom Brisley and Iain Pelling will continue to lead Arrow as co-managing directors, while fellow co-founder John Smithson has chosen to step back from the company.

He will deliver his current productions and then work independently, with Arrow and Asacha having a first look deal on new projects.

Brisley and Pelling will retain a minority stake in Arrow, while Brisley also becomes a shareholder in Asacha, alongside the founders of the business and other managers of Asacha’s production companies, who also reinvested in the group.

Gaspard de Chavagnac and Marina Williams, Asacha’s co-chief execs, said: “Arrow’s market-leading position in the fast-growing factual space, along with their strong leadership and ambitious plans for the future, make them an ideal fit for Asacha.

“Bringing them into our group makes us a major player in English language factual across key markets including the US and UK. Our focus will be accelerating Arrow’s growth and extending their reach into new territories as they build on their reputation for world-class series and features that captivate global audiences.”

Brisley said: “Asacha is one of the hottest groups in the TV industry. They are dynamic and fleet of foot, with excellent relationships across Europe, a market we would love to explore further, as well as having huge international ambitions.

“With the same culture and high-quality delivery as Arrow, the access they give us into new markets makes them the perfect partner. Becoming part of an independent group allows Arrow the freedom to continue to work for anyone, anywhere and everywhere. They match our ambitions and our understanding of Arrow’s global potential.”