Banijay acquires Italian live events firm Balich Wonder Studio

Balich Wonder Studio worked on the Tree Of Life Expo in 2015

European production and distribution giant Banijay has acquired Italian live events firm Balich Wonder Studio.

Founded in 2013, the Milan-based firm is best known for producing live sporting events and has been responsible for several Olympic Games Ceremonies and other events such as the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup; Pan American Games Ceremonies in Perù 2019 and Chile 2023; 2016 Rio Olympic Games Ceremonies (CC2016); and 2014 Sochi Olympic Games closing and Paralympic Games Ceremonies.

The firm, which operates in Europe and the Middle East, is led by chairman and chief creative officer Marco Balich and posted revenues of €315m ($341m) in 2022. The acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions and is anticipated to close in the coming months, said Banijay.

Banijay CEO Marco Bassetti said: “Complementary to us in its ambition and entrepreneurialism, Balich has risen to be top of its game in the live-event space, and via this acquisition, there is huge potential for further pioneering growth.

“We feel fortunate the team chose to partner with us on this trailblazing move and can already see how together we can build additional creative and commercial synergies, to cement the collective as a media and entertainment powerhouse. In marrying our businesses, we will create a unique universe of globally-spanning premium content, and the world’s most-watched ceremonies and illustrious events – ultimately, a one-stop-shop for creativity.”