Thomas Riedel has acquired ARRI in a landmark deal that keeps the 109-year-old German manufacturer independent — and promises a new era in live production.
Thomas Riedel, founder of Riedel Communications and the Riedel Group, has acquired ARRI following what is described as a competitive international process. Financial details weren't disclosed, but this undoubtedly marks the largest acquisition of Riedel's career.
ARRI has been searching for a buyer for some time and seems to have come across one that will guarantee its independence for the future. According to a statement, under the new ownership structure ARRI's existing management team will remain in place and the company will continue to operate independently from its Munich headquarters.
That means it will also remain in private German ownership, which in an era of rapid and intensifying globalisation and potential asset stripping is a good thing as far as its employees and existing customers is concerned.
There will be changes, of course. The two companies plan to develop integrated solutions targeting live entertainment and sports in particular. ARRI has been edging towards this for a while now, and its equipment nowadays has fairly substantial broadcast chops. As a joint first step, ARRI will deploy its camera technology at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna next month, where Riedel serves as technology provider and NEP oversees production.
The use of ARRI cameras at the event was actually announced back in December, which might have been an interesting clue if we'd all been paying attention.
"For more than a century, ARRI has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, and the highest quality," said Dr. Walter Stahl, Managing Director of ARRI GmbH and member of the founding family. "This success story will now continue."