Asacha Media Group (Asacha) acquired a majority stake in UK-headquartered factual production company, Arrow International Media (Arrow), which annually produces over 100 hours of premium factual for networks and streaming platforms in the US and UK, across genres including true crime, history, nature, adventure, and science. The acquisition of Arrow significantly expands Asacha’s English language output in high-end factual, while adding a strong new US presence. The deal further enhances Asacha’s growth strategy, which aims to double the size of the business by 2026. As part of Asacha, Arrow will pursue further growth in the UK and US, while expanding into new markets and exploring international co-production opportunities with other factual producers within the pan-European group.
Founded in 2011 by Tom Brisley, John Smithson, and Iain Pelling, Arrow has grown to become a world leading producer of premium factual content. Arrow’s recent slate includes notable successes such as See No Evil and American Monster for Investigation Discovery, Magic of Disney's Animal Kingdom for National Geographic and Disney+ and Seven Days on Mars for the BBC.
Tom Brisley and Iain Pelling will continue to lead Arrow as Co-Managing Directors, while John Smithson has chosen to step back from the company. He will deliver his current productions and then work independently, with Arrow and Asacha having a first look deal on new projects.
In line with Asacha’s previous acquisitions and partnership structure, Tom Brisley and Iain Pelling will retain a minority stake in Arrow, while Brisley also becomes a shareholder in Asacha, alongside the founders of the business and other managers of Asacha’s production companies, who also reinvested in the Group.
Gaspard de Chavagnac and Marina Williams, Asacha’s co-CEOs, said: “Arrow’s marketleading position in the fast-growing factual space, along with their strong leadership and ambitious plans for the future, make them an ideal fit for Asacha. Bringing them into our Group makes us a major player in English language factual across key markets including the US and UK. Our focus will be accelerating Arrow’s growth and extending their reach into new territories as they build on their reputation for world-class series and features that captivate global audiences. “
The acquisition of Arrow continues Asacha’s track record as one of the fastest growing production studios in Europe. Since launching in April 2020 with majority stakes in Italian production houses, Picomedia and Stand By Me, and French production company Mintee Studio, the Paris headquartered business has continued to invest in market-leading producers across Europe. This has included taking controlling stakes in UK factual producer WAG Entertainment, leading UK drama producer Red Planet Pictures, French scripted studios Kabo Family and multi-award winning French producer Srab Films.
