Asacha Acquires Arrow International Media

Asacha Media Group has acquired a majority stake in the U.K.-based factual producer Arrow International Media.

Arrow was founded in 2011 by Tom Brisley, John Smithson and Iain Pelling. Its recent slate includes See No Evil and American Monster for Investigation Discovery, Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom for National Geographic and Disney+ and Seven Days on Mars for the BBC.

Brisley and Pelling will continue to lead Arrow as co-managing directors, while Smithson has decided 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 retain a minority stake in Arrow. Brisley also becomes a shareholder in Asacha.

Gaspard de Chavagnac and Marina Williams, Asacha’s co-CEOs, 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 U.S. and U.K. 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 to 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. We are thrilled to be joining forces with Asacha. They match our ambitions and our understanding of Arrow’s global potential.”

Pelling added: “Our commitment to working with the best talent and storytellers remains. Asacha will empower us to grow and develop clients in new territories faster than ever before.”