Hogan Lovells advises Banijay Germany on the acquisition of Sony Pictures

Founded in 2018 by Marcus Wolter and Banijay, the largest TV production company in Europe, Banijay Germany is a leading German entertainment house. More than 1,200 employees develop, create and produce entertainment formats of numerous genres. Popular programs include TV productions like "Schlag den Star", "Wer wird Millionär?" and "Kitchen Impossible".

With the acquisition, Banijay Germany not only adds current TV productions, such as "Höhle der Löwen", as well as an experienced team of producers to their portfolio, but also expands their already existing catalogue of formats with non-fictional programs from German Sony Pictures. 

The transaction is still subject to merger control clearances.

Hogan Lovells advised Banijay Germany comprehensively on due diligence, IP and tax issues, as well as contract negotiations and merger control.

Hogan Lovells team for Banijay Germany GmbH

Hamburg

Dr. Alexander Koch (Partner), Malte Neumann (Senior Associate), Gesa Unland-Miramov, Joy Baur (Associates) (all M&A); 

Dr. Norbert Heier (Partner), Katia Fernandez (Senior Associate) (both Real Estate); 

Dr. Morten Petersenn (Partner), Charlotte Reimers (Senior Associate) (both Intellectual Property);

Munich

Dr. Ingmar Dörr (Partner, Tax);

Bernd Klemm (Partner), Dr. Thomas Frank (Senior Associate) (both Employment/ Pensions);

Christian Ritz (Partner), Dr. Lukas Rengier (Counsel), Dr. Dennis Cukurov (Associate) (all Antitrust).