Industry

FL Entertainment announces the creation of Banijay Events, a live event offering which will capitalise on the company’s expertise and success in content production, expanding its capabilities within the wider entertainment industry. The newly developed offering will be led by François de Brugada, CEO of Banijay France, and it will sit as part of FL Entertainment’s leading global content production and distribution operations, led by Banijay’s CEO, Marco Bassetti.

This strategic initiative is based on the assessment that the live events production industry has significant growth potential. Banijay reached €3.2bn in revenues for 2022, proving the strength of its long-term creative strategy and approach, on which FL Entertainment will further capitalise.

Evolving and executing the group’s dedicated strategy, Brugada will grow this part of the business, developing synergies with the rest of the group, and identifying additional companies to build its dedicated portfolio.

François Riahi, CEO, FL Entertainment, said: “The live events business has rapidly soared post-Covid and given our already-established entertainment assets, it represents a perfect addition to our Group and to our strategy to become an integrated global entertainment leader. Capitalising on our entrepreneurial production/distribution model, we have great ambitions in this area and are confident this new reinforced offering will become a destination for creativity and awe-inspiring activity.”

Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay, comments: “Diversifying our content capabilities beyond the screen marks a real gear shift for the group. Banijay Events launches with a solid base thanks to the recently announced investments, and from here, there are so many opportunities for further collaboration and onward global growth. This, combined with the appointment of François, who has been a key player in Banijay’s journey, marks a significant commitment to the live events business and we all look forward to seeing what comes next.”

François de Brugada, CEO, Banijay France, stated: “It has been an exciting journey growing the business in France, and as part of that work, bolstering the scripted offering. Joining FLE to lead Banijay Events, is for me like going back to the early years of Banijay; but this time with two major players already onboard – I am thrilled by this new challenge! There are many similarities between Banijay and the events production business, and I have no doubt, that in blending the two experiences, we can establish a healthy footing in the market, as was done in the audio-visual space.”

Recruitment is currently underway to find a replacement CEO for Banijay France, with Brugada remaining in place until at least September, to ensure a smooth and effective transition period.