POELLATH advises the management of LEONINE STUDIOS on merger with Mediawan

The independent German media company LEONINE STUDIOS (“Leonine”) and Mediawan, the leading independent European audiovisual content studio, have announced the signing of a merger agreement between the two companies, in which the US investment firm KKR holds a stake. Mediawan will acquire all shares in Leonine. The German Leonine team led by Fred Kogel will remain involved. Following the merger, the merged group will represent 85 production labels in 13 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and the USA.

Founded in 2015 and based in France, Mediawan is one of the leading independent European studios for audiovisual content production. The group is active through the entire value chain: From the production of fictional and non-fictional material, documentaries, feature films and animated films with more than 70 production labels, to the distribution of audiovisual content and the distribution of channels and digital services, as well as the development and production of digital content.

Founded in 2019 by Fred Kogel and based in Munich, Leonine become one of the largest integrated, independent media companies in the production, distribution and licensing sector in German-speaking countries. The company distributes and licenses content for cinemas, home entertainment, TV channels and social media channels and co-produces national and international fiction formats. The market-leading license library includes programs in all formats and genres.

POELLATH advised the management of Leonine on the legal and tax aspects of the management participation in relation to the merger with the following Munich team:

• Dr. Benedikt Hohaus (partner, co-lead, management participation)
• Silke Simmer (counsel, co-lead, management participation)
• Dr. Nico Fischer (partner, tax)
• Dr. Andreas Reuther (associated partner, labor law)
• Marvin May (associate, labor law)