Will Smith acquires Telepool

Hollywood actor and producer Will Smith has linked up with director Marc Forster to acquire German distributor Telepool.

Will Smith
(photo: Gage Skidmore)

The deal, financial details of which have not been disclosed, will see Telepool become a development, financing and distribution partner on Smith and Forster’s projects.

The acquisition was made by The Smith Family Circle, which manages the assets and business enterprises of the Smith family, and Elysian Fields, a group of investors associated with Forster, who has directed films including Monster’s Ball, Quantum of Solace and World War Z.

Telepool was acquired from its public broadcaster shareholders Bayerischer Rundfunk, Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk, SWR Media Services and Telvetia.

As part of the deal, Smith and James Lassiter’s Overbrook Entertainment will have the option to develop and distribute film and television projects through Telepool, which has offices in the European cities of Munich, Zürich, Leipzig and Seesen as well as LA.

Forster, who is directing forthcoming Walt Disney Pictures movie Christopher Robin, and Renee Wolfe’s independent production entity 2dux² will also have the option to develop and distribute film and television projects through Telepool, while also remaining fully independent.

Marc Forster

“Marc and I took a close look at Telepool and discovered a company that has an incredible reputation and a lot of potential. We look forward to working together and with the Telepool team to create unique opportunities and content to strategically growing the business,” said Smith.

Forster added: “As a German-born Swiss national, I was familiar with Telepool long before completing this acquisition with Will and his family. We believe that Telepool is well positioned for continued success and growth in our rapidly changing media landscape. I believe Will and I will be able to contribute our combined energies and global relationships to the company’s advantage. It’s an exciting undertaking.”

André Druskeit, who has been CEO of Telepool Group since June 1 after replacing the retired Thomas Weymar, said: “The new shareholders are very much committed to continuing our business model. Also, all management positions at subsidiary companies and all other management functions will remain unchanged for the time being.

“The setup is great and we’re looking forward to many exciting projects with Will, Marc and all our business partners. We will also continue the successful cooperation with our previous shareholders. Although they have indeed sold all of their shares in Telepool, they have renewed their respective framework agreements with us.”

Earlier this year, Telepool increased its share in fellow distributors EuroVideo Medien and Global Screen after agreeing a deal with production outfit Bavaria Film. Telepool acquired Bavaria’s 50% stakes in EuroVideo Medien and Global Screen to become the sole shareholder in both companies.