Newen cements European expansion with Flare Film acquisition

Romain Bessi

TF1-owned French production group Newen has acquired a majority stake in German production company Flare Film.

The acquisition expands on the existing collaboration between the two groups, including in distribution with Newen Connect. This partnership will be “reinforced and complemented” by co-productions and IP exchanges.

Newen MD Romain Bessi described the German market as “the most important one in Europe” with the acquisition imperative for the group’s European ambitions, now giving Newen a presence in all major European markets.

Berlin-based Flare Film has developed and produced cinema and documentary features since 2008 and last year established its series unit Flare Entertainment, which recently wrapped production on its first high-end TV project, Paradiso for Sky.

Flare Entertainment and Newen Connect recently struck a deal to co-develop and distribute drama series Balaton Brigade.

Martin Heisler, the founder and owner of Flare Film, will continue to run the group while also retaining a significant stake, while Newen seeks to continue Flare’s growth by bringing together new talent, following in the footsteps of its UK strategy.

“We are looking forward to work with Martin Heisler and his teams, not only because they are talented but also because our common desires and values guarantee great ambitions. We will do everything to support them in creating and enhancing attractive content to viewers all around the world,” said Bessi,

“The film and TV market has never been as exciting as it is right now and becoming part of the Newen family is an important step for us to play a bigger role in the German market as well as in international co-productions,” added Heisler.

“At the same time, we will remain a trustworthy partner for the creative talents and all our collaborators and will continue to follow our vision: to produce exciting, high-quality and relevant content.”