Banijay boosts German presence

Banijay Group has set up a production company in Germany shortly after announcing its acquisition of a majority stake in Cologne-based prodco Brainpool.

Arno Schneppenheim

Banijay Productions Germany (BPG) will be led by industry veteran Arno Schneppenheim, the founder of Endemol Shine-owned German production company Florida TV.

It comes after Banijay became the leading shareholder in Brainpool by purchasing the shares held by Stefan Raab. The firm took a 50% stake in the company in 2009.

Banijay’s new stake in Brainpool was not disclosed. As a result of the deal, producer and entertainer Raab will become the main shareholder of his production company Raab TV, which will remain under the roof of Brainpool in the long term, Banijay said.

Peter Langenberg, chief operating officer of Banijay Group, told C21 that BPG will focus more on non-scripted entertainment formats, while Brainpool will continue to specialise in comedy, talent-driven shows. The two will operate out of separate locations in Cologne, Langenberg added.

Brainpool is behind shows such as Total, Ladykracher, Beat Your Host, Pastewska, Celebrity School, Next Big Thing, Luke! The Week & I, Stromberg and Stars in Danger: The High Dive.

Banijay Group CEO Marco Bassetti said: “Germany is one of the largest and [most] diverse broadcast markets in the world, with a strong growth in pay and OTT services. At Banijay Group we intend to capitalise on the many opportunities this flourishing territory can offer and are delighted to welcome Arno Schneppenheim to lead Banijay Productions Germany.”

Schneppenheim added: “We aim to build Banijay Productions Germany into one of the most innovative production companies for TV, video-on-demand and live entertainment, offering new, fresh, daytime, access and primetime formats as well as branded content and social media productions.”