ARRI is selling its European, UK, and North American rental operations to H2 Equity Partners in a management buy-out, as the restructuring drive continues.
ARRI has agreed to sell its global rental operations in Europe, the UK, and North America to H2 Equity Partners in a management buy-out of ARRI Rental. Illumination Dynamics remains part of ARRI and is not included in the deal.
This is the latest round in what has been a fairly tumultuous restructure for the storied German manufacturer. Lighting subsidiary Claypaky was sold off in 2025, jobs have been cut and facilities closed, and, of course, the whole business was acquired by Thomas Riedel earlier this year.
This divestiture separates ARRI's manufacturing business from its rental arm, resolving what ARRI describes as a long-standing structural conflict of interest. As a camera and lighting technology manufacturer, ARRI traditionally supplied customers and partners who also competed with its own rental operations. This sort of arrangement is fine when business is thriving, less so when margins start to tighten.
ARRI will now focus on developing, producing, and selling camera, lighting, and software technologies. The two companies will continue to work closely together, but the phrasing that ARRI 'will remain an important technology partner to all rental companies,' suggests those terms may no longer be as preferential as they were under co-ownership.
The buy-out is being led by ARRI Rental's existing UK-based leadership team, Dana Harrison, Russell Allen, and Tamim Essaji, in partnership with H2 Equity Partners. Harrison becomes CEO of the global rental business, continuing to lead alongside Andy Shipsides, who remains responsible for his region.
"We know the business, our customers, and our craft, and through this management buy-out we're taking ownership of its future," said Harrison. "ARRI Rental has built something exceptional over many years, and we're proud to carry it forward as an independent company. Our customers will see the same teams, the same standards, and the same dedication they have always relied on.”
Thomas Riedel, owner of ARRI and of Riedel Communications and the Riedel Group, called the deal "a milestone in ARRI's strategic transformation," saying it lets ARRI direct investment toward new technologies and growth areas while allowing the rental business to develop independently.
One surprise to many is that the new standalone rental group will move to its own brand after a transition period, meaning the ARRI Rental name will disappear from the market. What will happen to some of the new company's exclusive ARRI-related offerings, especially on the lens side of the business, is not yet clear.
Closing is subject to the usual standard conditions; financial terms were not disclosed.