Night Train Media Acquires UK Factual Powerhouse Curve Media

Artico Partners expands Serafin Asset Management’s equity-expertise into emerging markets and sustainable investments

In a strategic move to consolidate its position in the documentary and drama sectors, Night Train Media (NTM) has acquired a majority stake in the London-based non-scripted distributor, BossaNova. BossaNova, freshly minted by industry veterans Paul Heaney and Dina Subhani, stands to benefit significantly from this partnership. With access to a new acquisition fund, the company aims to co-create and co-fund projects. Their unique approach matches producers with relevant platforms and broadcasters – a model that Heaney previously championed at his former company, TCB Media Rights, which was later acquired by Beyond Rights. Earlier in the year, BossaNova showcased its industry clout during its Development Day. The event saw an impressive turnout with over 50 buyers and commissioners from 35 distinct channels and platforms. Producers utilized this platform, pitching upwards of 75 fresh projects. Further showcasing its growth trajectory, BossaNova has recently procured over 650 hours of content from major factual producers in Australia and New Zealand, namely CJZ and Greenstone. Night Train Media's journey, under the leadership of Herbert Kloiber, has been noteworthy. Backed by a substantial investment from the Serafin Group, NTM has also embarked on several scripted projects. Notable mentions include the futuristic drama “Veil” and the psychological thriller “The Ex-Wife”, penned by "Downton Abbey" star, Catherine Steadman. Expressing enthusiasm over the acquisition, Kloiber highlighted Paul’s unparalleled experience in building distribution assets and his strong industry standing. "Joining forces with BossaNova marks an exhilarating phase in NTM’s ongoing expansion," Kloiber remarked. Echoing a similar sentiment, Heaney believes that with NTM's backing, BossaNova is poised for substantial long-term growth. "This alliance promises a collaborative spirit and a shared commitment to producing premium content," he stated. This partnership signifies not only the merging of expertise but also a shared vision for the future of content creation and distribution.

German investment and co-production group, Night Train Media, has completed its acquisition of Swedish distributor, Eccho Rights.

Night Train Media has made a significant move in the media landscape by purchasing Curve Media, the esteemed UK-based factual production company. Curve Media, renowned for its work on Discovery's "Salvage Hunters" and Vicky McClure's BBC docuseries "Our Dementia Choir," has consistently demonstrated its prowess in high-volume factual productions and premium documentaries. Some of its other notable projects include Channel 4’s "The Greatest Auction," Paramount+'s "Hot Yachts," and Sky's documentary "The Scream." Curve Media was previously aligned with BBC Studios, which held a minority stake. This stake has now been strategically acquired by Herbert L. Kloiber's Night Train Media. Curve's management dynamics will see no change post-acquisition, with its reins firmly in the hands of industry veterans and former Cineflix executives, Camilla Lewis and Rob Carey. Both Lewis and Carey will continue to hold significant equity stakes in the company, emphasizing their continued commitment and belief in its future. Night Train Media envisions this acquisition as an avenue for Curve Media to amplify its expansion objectives, diversify its genre specialties, and deepen investments in its extensive platform and talent resources. Herbert L. Kloiber spoke highly of the deal, praising the trajectory and rapid growth of Curve Media's content slate. He expressed confidence that the expertise and vision brought to the table by Lewis and Carey will bolster Curve's ascendancy in the industry. This latest acquisition by Night Train Media aligns with its recent strategic moves, including the purchases of distributors Bossanova and Eccho Rights, further cementing its place as a significant player in the global media market.