EMG, Gravity Media Merge; Shaun Gregory Named Global CEO, John Newton Is Executive Chairman

Production-services providers EMG and Gravity Media are merging, creating a company that will have more than 100 mobile production units and flypacks as well as 40 studios and production facilities across Europe, the Middle East, U.S., and Australia, which will be part of the new global business. The business will have 30 offices across 12 countries, with a total of 2,000 permanent employees and access to a global network of freelancers.

The new company, which will be formally named at a later date, will be led by Shaun Gregory, current CEO of EMG. He will be global CEO for the combined entity, and John Newton, founder, CEO, and majority shareholder of Gravity Media, will be executive chairman.

Gregory says today is a pivotal day for the industry, with EMG and Gravity Media bringing together two powerhouses to create a truly global business.

Shaun Gregory will be global CEO for the combined group formed by the merger of EMG and Gravity Media.

“Both John and I believe this industry needs entities with significant global capability, that are prepared to invest,” he says. “Our vision is to create a world-class business that sets new industry standards and can seamlessly enter and grow new markets. This is a fantastic opportunity, which in turn gives our customers the best solutions and quality they rightly demand. We’ll be able to invest in global platforms, end-to-end production, and, of course, the best people. We’re looking forward to getting started!”

The combination of the complementary businesses creates one of the world’s largest and most significant broadcast- technology and -production companies. The organization will deliver broadcast, technology, production, and postproduction solutions across many of the world’s most-watched live events and entertainment programs, working with the world’s most-renowned production houses and broadcasters.

Gregory and Newton will join the main board of the newly combined group, joining EMG’s existing shareholders PAI Partners, Ackermans & Van Haaren, Watchers & Co, and Banijay. TowerBrook Capital Partners, which currently has a significant shareholding in Gravity Media, will retain a stake in the combined group. Newton will also maintain his significant interest in the combined entity, of which PAI Partners will be the majority shareholder.

John Newton will be executive chairman of the combined EMG/Gravity Media group.

According to Newton, this is the right time to bring together EMG and Gravity Media to create a truly global production- and media-services business.

“This combination will allow us to play an increasingly important role for our customers and our people,” he says. “Together, the group will offer new products and new services and enter new markets. I look forward to working with Shaun and the broader team to grow this exciting new business.”