Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Gravity Media Group secures substantial investment to fund future grow

15/09/2016

Gravity Media Group secures substantial investment to fund future growth posted: 15/09/2016

TowerBrook Capital Partners takes minority stake in owner of Gearhouse Broadcast and Hyperactive Broadcast

Gravity Media Group (GMG), the owner of worldwide broadcast services specialists Gearhouse Broadcast and Hyperactive Broadcast, has secured a substantial investment to fund future global growth by selling a minority stake in its business to investment management firm TowerBrook Capital Partners (TowerBrook).

The deal follows an extensive global search by GMG and its advisors, Deloitte, to find a suitable partner to fund aggressive expansion of GMG's global business, with a particular focus on the USA in the short term. Under the terms of the deal GMG founder and CEO John Newton and his existing management team will remain in position and retain majority control of the Group. They will be supported by two additional non-executive directors, Gordon Holmes of TowerBrook and Dave Checketts, the highly regarded former President and CEO of Madison Square Garden. Checketts has extensive experience operating US sports franchises along with award winning TV networks MSG Network, FOX Sports Network and CSTV.

Formed in 2000 following a management buyout by Newton and his leadership team, GMG has grown rapidly into a truly global business. It provides the technical equipment, facilities and services to capture the world's most watched content - from iconic live sports events such as Euro 2016 and Formula 1 to hugely popular live entertainment programmes such as The X Factor and Im a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! Through its six subsidiary businesses GMG employs around 220 people across its UK headquarters and offices in Australia, USA, France and UAE.

The investment by TowerBrook Capital Partners will enable Gravity Media Group to grow and innovate to realise our ambition of becoming the global leader in supplying equipment, services and consultancy for the live broadcast sector, said John Newton, founder and CEO of GMG. It brings industry and operational experience, as well as capital, and has a strong track record for being a patient and added-value investor.

He added: As far as our customers and employees are concerned, nothing changes - other than we will be able to support more customers and events in more locations around the world. The management team remains the same, and we'll still focus on staying true to our core values of quality, reliability, technical innovation and outstanding service.

TowerBrook Capital Partners brings impressive pedigree in adding value to its investments. It does this by optimising the performance of a portfolio company through a combination of rigorous analysis and effective partnering with experienced, talented managers. With a fund value of $8billion, it currently owns stakes in the St Louis Blues NHL sports franchise and InfoPro, the leading business to business information services provider in France.

The search for an investment partner was managed by Deloitte's lead advisory team in Sydney, Australia, but also drew on the professional services firm's worldwide network in London and New York. It was led by Damien Tampling, technology and media partner at Deloitte.

Commenting on the announcement, Tampling said: GMG has done incredibly well to grow to its current size and global footprint with absolutely no external capital. As one of the more diversified players in the global outside broadcast space, its tie up with TowerBrook will put it in a great place to disrupt the market as the broadcast industry goes through some exciting changes. There was serious engagement from several trade and private equity suitors. But the fit with TowerBrook most strongly aligned to the ambitions of the shareholders and management team to take the business to the next level.

Deloitte also carried out the vendor due diligence and significant advisory work in London and Sydney. The sale was overseen in London by GMGs principal legal advisers Dentons.

About TowerBrook Capital Partners

TowerBrook Capital Partners, L.P. is an investment management firm of US$8 billion under management as at June 30, 2016, and a track record of creating value for investors. The firm is based in Europe and the USA and focuses on making investments in European and North American companies through private equity and structured opportunities strategies, allowing it to access a range of opportunities throughout the cycle. TowerBrook private equity primarily pursues control-oriented investments in large and middle market companies, partnering with highly capable management teams and seeking situations characterised by complexity with a track record of creating value through growth, build-up and transformation strategies. TowerBrook's structured opportunities strategy leverages its PE experience and expertise to invest in opportunities that fall outside the investment parameters of the PE strategy.

About Gravity Media Group

Gravity Media Group was formed in 2000 as a holding company, and owns, operates and acquires businesses serving the live broadcast sector globally.

Gearhouse Broadcast is a market leader in the field of broadcast services and specialises in broadcast equipment rental, equipment sales, project solutions and systems integration. Operating globally from its offices in the UK, US, Australia, France and UAE, the company offers huge experience and a proven track record in delivering major sporting and entertainment events.

Hyperactive Broadcast was founded over 30 years ago and is a leading service provider to the broadcast, television and feature film market, supplying people and equipment to support the non-linear editing and broadcast hire needs of its customers. In 2015, it worked on projects as varied as the Grand National and the French O
LINK: http://www.live-production.tv/news/products/gravity-media-group-secure...
See more stories from liveproduction

Most recent headlines

15/03/2025

Editing and Color Grading Promo Codes for Audiio and MotionVFX!

Editing and Color Grading Promo Codes for Audiio and MotionVFX! Kasia Jarco March 14, 2025 0 Comments I wanted to share some promo codes for great too...

15/03/2025

Avid Makes Key Additions to Executive Leadership Team to Meet the Needs of the Evolving Media Landscape

Avid Makes Key Additions to Executive Leadership Team to Meet the Needs of the E...

15/03/2025

NAB 2025: Cobalt Announces Plans to Bring Plug and Play ST 2110 Experience to NAB with Expanded Line of IPMX-Compliant Products

NAB 2025: Cobalt Announces Plans to Bring Plug and Play ST 2110 Experience to NA...

15/03/2025

Student Spotlight: Rachel McFarlane

Student Spotlight: Rachel McFarlane The Canadian composer talks about being drawn to the storytelling power of scoring for film and video games, working with ...

14/03/2025

Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Emilie Blichfeldt, the Writer-Director of The Ugly Stepsister

By Lucy Spicer One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festival...

14/03/2025

Bill Simmons Reflects on Five Years of The Ringer

Time flies when you're having fun and we can confidently say that Bill Simmons, founder of The Ringer and Spotify's Head of Talk Strategy, is having not...

14/03/2025

Call for NFVF Funding Applications To Attend Film Festivals and Markets Taking Place From 14 April 2025 To 31 May 2025.

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is pleased to announce that the ca...

14/03/2025

NAB Show 2025 Exhibitor Insight: Bitcentral

TV Technology: What do you anticipate will be the most significant technology trends at the 2025 NAB Show?...

14/03/2025

Dalet welcomes you to NAB Show 2025

The Dalet NAB 2025 showcase will feature its market-leading enterprise News, Media Management and Supply Chain solutions designed for faster deployment and acce...

14/03/2025

IMAX to Unveil Breakthrough Quality Innovation for Premiu...

IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) will debut its latest advancements for premium live streaming at NAB 2025 (booth W1401), introducing new AI-driven technologies d...

14/03/2025

TAG Video Systems and Harmonic Partner to Deliver Enhance...

TAG Video Systems, the leader in software-based IP media probing, monitoring, visualization, and analytics, and Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT), the worldwide leader in...

14/03/2025

Unicanal and Trece TV revolutionize Digital TV in Paragua...

Unicanal and Trece TV, two of Paraguay s leading broadcasters, have successfully launched digital TV services in three main cities: Encarnaci n, Ciudad del Este...

14/03/2025

IP Showcase Returns to 2025 NAB Show With a Focus on IPMX...

The Alliance for IP Media Solutions (AIMS), Advanced Media Workflow Association (AMWA), and the Video Services Forum (VSF) today announced that the IP Showcase ...

14/03/2025

Nebraska Public Media Standardizes on Digital Alert Syste...

Digital Alert Systems, the global leader in emergency communications solutions for media providers, today announced that Nebraska Public Media is deploying the ...

14/03/2025

Comcast Technology Solutions Achieves Enhanced QC Efficie...

Interra Systems, a leading provider of end-to-end quality assurance solutions for the digital media industry, today announced that Comcast Technology Solutions ...

14/03/2025

Rightsline Unveils New AI Features and Media Workflow Eff...

At the 2025 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, Rightsline will showcase innovations designed to make rights and royalties management smarter, fast...

14/03/2025

PK Sound Launches Tx Series Intelligent Point Source Modu...

PK Sound, the robotic line array company, has formally released the Tx Series of intelligent multi-purpose point source modules, beginning with the ultra-versat...

14/03/2025

Avid Makes Key Additions to Executive Leadership Team to...

Avid today announced the expansion of its executive leadership team (ELT) with the appointment of three experienced executives: Tom Sharma as Chief Technology ...

14/03/2025

DigitalGlue Invites NAB Visitors to Experience New Featur...

DigitalGlue, a trusted systems integrator and provider of end-to-end media solutions, is redefining storage workflows with its innovative platform, creative.spa...

14/03/2025

CVP Supports Innovative Large Format Short Films Competit...

CVP, one of Europe s leading resellers and providers of professional video and broadcast solutions, is partnering with renowned director and cinematographer Joe...

14/03/2025

Cobalt Announces Plans to Bring Plug and Play ST 2110 Exp...

Cobalt Digital, the leading designer and manufacturer of award-winning signal processing products, and a founding partner in the openGear initiative has announ...

14/03/2025

Keepit named Best Cybersecurity Backup Service by Busines...

Keepit, a global provider of a comprehensive cloud backup and recovery platform, announced today its success at the Business Awards UK, 2025 Cybersecurity and R...

14/03/2025

Lightware simplifies complex AV integrations through stra...

Lightware, an industry-leading manufacturer of signal management solutions, has announced its commitment to fostering strong relationships with top technology c...

14/03/2025

Editing and Color Grading Promo Codes

Editing and Color Grading Promo Codes Kasia Jarco March 14, 2025 0 Comments I wanted to share some promo codes for great tools for your video editing ...

14/03/2025

Singaporean singer-songwriter JJ Lin on Craft, Courage, and Creativity

Singaporean Singer-Songwriter JJ Lin on Craft, Courage, and Creativity The artist shared candid insights into his musical evolution, personal challenges, and ...

14/03/2025

Avid appoints new CTO and grows executive leadership team

Three strategic appointments aims to bolster the leadership team at Avid, reinforcing the companys commitment to remain at the forefront of innovation By Matth...

14/03/2025

Confidence-boosting $215 million funding package announced for Cinesite

Coming at a pivotal time for the sector, the funding underscores Cinesites ambition and confidence in the media and entertainment industry By Matthew Corrigan ...

14/03/2025

Unmissable innovation: previewing NAB Show 2025

Karen Chupka, executive vice president and managing director, NAB Global Connections and Events, gives TVBEurope the lowdown on what visitors can expect at next...

14/03/2025

Avid Appoints New CTO, Adds to Its Executive Leadership Team

BURLINGTON, Mass. Avid has expanded its executive leadership team (ELT) with the appointment of three experienced executives: Tom Sharma as chief technology off...

14/03/2025

TVU Networks Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation at 2025 NAB Show

CUPERTINO, Calif. TVU Networks, a pioneer in live video production and a leader in cloud-based media solutions, is marking its 20th anniversary at the 2025 NAB ...

14/03/2025

Telos Alliance To Demonstrate New Next Generation Audio Features at 2025 NAB Show

Telos Alliance To Demonstrate New Next Generation Audio Features at 2025 NAB Sh...

14/03/2025

Live From THE PLAYERS: RED Cameras Help Cosm Capture Unique Looks for Cosm Venues

Live From THE PLAYERS: RED Cameras Help Cosm Capture Unique Looks for Cosm Venue...

14/03/2025

NWSL Kickoff 2025: League Operations Team Preps for NEP-Driven Remote Productions for CBS, ESPN, ION, NWSL+

NWSL Kickoff 2025: League Operations Team Preps for NEP-Driven Remote Production...

14/03/2025

NWSL Kickoff 2025: Scripps Sports Introduces New On-Air Team for Second Year of Coverage on ION

NWSL Kickoff 2025: Scripps Sports Introduces New On-Air Team for Second Year of ...

14/03/2025

SVG Sit-Down: Marie Margolius on the Thrill of Directing New Prime Video Docuseries For the Win: NWSL

SVG Sit-Down: Marie Margolius on the Thrill of Directing New Prime Video Docuser...

14/03/2025

Live From THE PLAYERS: NBC Sports Tees Up Drone Tracing, Taps Into NEP Compound Connect

Live From THE PLAYERS: NBC Sports Tees Up Drone Tracing, Taps Into NEP Compound ...

14/03/2025

Get a Glimpse of the Epic Battles in First Look at Record of Ragnarok ' Teaser Trailer

Back to All News Get a Glimpse of the Epic Battles in First Look at Record of ...

14/03/2025

Celebrating the Italian Historical Drama Il Gattopardo' Across the Globe

Back to All News Celebrating the Italian Historical Drama Il Gattopardo' Across the Globe The series' creative team speaks at the Rome premiere. Ent...

14/03/2025

The Electric State' Brings Cosmo and The Billbots to Life for a One-of-a-Kind Worldwide Tour

Back to All News The Electric State' Brings Cosmo and The Billbots to Life...

14/03/2025

Thales Delivers the World's First Autonomous Mine Hunting System to the Royal Navy

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Thales has reached a historic milestone by deliv...

14/03/2025

RT 2FM's fresh weekend lineup goes live this Saturday as a host of new presenters take to the airwaves

2FM's fresh weekend lineup goes live this Saturday as a host of new presente...

13/03/2025

You Will Leave Opus Singing the Original Bops Performed by John Malkovich

(L-R) Stephanie Suganami, Tatanka Means, John Malkovich, Ayo Edebiri, and Juliette Lewis attend the premiere of Opus at Eccles Theatre in Park City. (Photo by...

13/03/2025

How Spotify Is Driving Growth, Discovery, and Innovation in the Audiobook Market

Spotify took center stage at the London Book Fair this week, reaffirming our commitment to the audiobook market and showcasing our impact on the publishing indu...

13/03/2025

Spotify Audiobooks Launches a New Publishing Program for Independent Authors

At Spotify, we work every day to lift up new voices, giving creators the opportunity to live off their art. Through Spotify Audiobooks, our in-house publishing ...

13/03/2025

Evolving EO/IR Technology For All-Domain Airborne Law Enforcement

Every time airborne law enforcement (ALE) teams fly, they expect their equipment to perform. Whether airborne units are conducting support for ground teams, bor...

13/03/2025

Craft Interview: Jamie McCombs, Audio Consultant / Sr. Audio

Sunday February 9 saw the annual return of the US' biggest television event, the Super Bowl LIX. Jamie McCombs, Fox Sports Audio Consultant / Sr. Audio capt...

13/03/2025

Craft Interview: Paul Sandweiss, Production Sound Mixer/Audio Director

On Sunday March 2, stars across the film industry gathered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the 97th Academy Awards. Production Sound Mixer Paul Sandweis...

13/03/2025

Riedel To Showcase New StageLink Smart Edge Devices At 2025 NAB Show

WUPPERTAL, Germany Riedel Communications will feature its new StageLink family of smart edge devices, Smart Audio and Mixing Engine (SAME) and Virtual Smart Pan...

13/03/2025

TAG Video Systems and Harmonic Partner to Deliver Enhanced Real-Time Monitoring for VOS360 Streaming Workflows at the 2025 NAB Show

TAG Video Systems and Harmonic Partner to Deliver Enhanced Real-Time Monitoring ...

13/03/2025

DigitalGlue Invites NAB Visitors to Experience New Features in Managed Storage Platform that Empowers Video Teams to Scale Effortlessly

DigitalGlue Invites NAB Visitors to Experience New Features in Managed Storage P...