Banijay Increases Brainpool Stake, Expands Presence in Germany

Banijay Group is increasing its shareholding in the Cologne-based producer Brainpool and has set up a brand-new production company in Germany, Banijay Productions Germany.

Banijay Group acquired a 50 percent stake in Brainpool in 2009 as a joint venture, and it has now agreed to increase its stake in the company. The increased stake will come through the acquisition of the shares held by Brainpool’s Stefan Raab. Raab will once again become the main shareholder of his production company Raab TV, which will remain under the roof of Brainpool for the long term.

Meanwhile, Arno Schneppenheim, former founder of Endemol Shine-owned German production company Florida TV, will run Banijay Productions Germany from its headquarters in Cologne.

Marco Bassetti, CEO of Banijay Group, commented, “Germany is one of the largest and diverse broadcast markets in the world with a strong growth in pay and OTT services. At Banijay Group we intend to capitalize on the many opportunities this flourishing territory can offer and are delighted to welcome Arno Schneppenheim to lead Banijay Productions Germany.”

Schneppenheim said, “We aim to build Banijay Productions Germany into one of the most innovative production companies for TV, video-on-demand and live entertainment, offering new, fresh, daytime, access and primetime formats as well as branded content and social media productions.”

Peter Langenberg, COO of Banijay Group, added, “Arno is an extremely creative and energetic producer who we know will deliver unique and original content that will work across multiple platforms in Germany and internationally.”