Studio Babelsberg is a historic German studio, which was recently featured “The Matrix Resurrections”TPG Real Estate Partners has acquired production
The company, which is part of global alternative asset firm TPG, first revealed plans to acquire a stake in the studio in September via TREP’s acquisition of Babelsberg’s main shareholder, Filmbetriebe Berlin Brandenburg GmbH (FBB), which was controlled by Carl L. Woebcken and Christoph Fisser. FBB opened a public tender to purchase a majority share in Studio Babelsberg as part of the deal. This was completed in October.
According to the companies, all conditions of the transaction were met. Woebcken & Fisser still have a minor share in the studio.
Studio Babelsberg now sits within TREP’s global studio platform, Cinespace Studios, which is the second largest sound stage operator in North America and, with Babelsberg in the fold, will now operate 90 stages. The German studio will remain an independent brand.
Babelsberg was founded in 1911 and has hosted many productions. “Inglourious Basterds,” “V For Vendetta” “Bridge of Spies.”
Michael Abel is a partner at TREP. “Across the globe, Studio Babelsberg is known for its quality and as a symbol of Berlin’s and Brandenburg’s creative culture. With Studio Babelsberg, we saw an opportunity to invest behind a leading studio facility that is well positioned to benefit from secular growth trends in media and content consumption. We support the company’s strategy and direction and look forward to growing the business.”
Woebcken, Fisser also added: “We are excited to announce a successful completion of the transaction, and to welcome TREP as Studio Babelsberg’s new partner. The team values our rich history and brings significant insight and business building capabilities to Studio Babelsberg’s next chapter. We look forward to working together to further solidify our position as Europe’s premier studio.”