In a significant stride towards expanding its global footprint, Night Train Media, a German investment and co-production entity, has successfully acquired the Swedish distributor, Eccho Rights. This acquisition entails buying out the majority stake previously held by Korean media conglomerate CJ ENM, marking a pivotal moment for both Night Train Media and the international TV distribution landscape.
Eccho Rights, headquartered in Stockholm, has carved out a name for itself with an extensive catalogue of Turkish content that has found audiences beyond borders. Its repertoire also encompasses Scandinavian, Western European, and Korean programs, making it a notable player in the global TV distribution scene. The acquisition comes almost a year after Night Train Media, supported by the private equity firm Serafin Group, secured a majority stake in London-based distribution house BossaNova, reflecting a broader trend of consolidation within the global TV distribution domain.
The transition will see Eccho Rights operating as an independent entity under the Night Train Media umbrella, which was established in early 2020. Fredrik af Malmborg will continue his leadership as the CEO of Eccho Rights, holding a substantial shareholding in the business. Meanwhile, the experienced Herbert L. Kloiber, former managing director of Tele München Group and CEO of Night Train Media, is set to chair the Eccho Rights board, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge to the table.
This acquisition is not just a business transaction; it's a fusion of expertise and resources aimed at fostering a more diversified content portfolio. Night Train Media's existing production roster, which includes an eclectic mix of documentaries, thrillers, and crime series, will now be enriched by Eccho Rights' drama-centric content from Turkey, Scandinavia, South Korea, and Western Europe. Moreover, the integration will extend the reach of Night Train Media into the digital direct-to-consumer channels, a domain where Eccho Rights has already established a strong foothold.
Kloiber expressed his optimism and appreciation for Eccho Rights' trajectory, emphasizing the strategic alignment and synergies between the two companies. The collaborative force aims to capitalize on the growing trend of worldwide streamers licensing content in selected territories. On the other hand, Af Malmborg shared a mutual vision for the future of TV production and distribution, underscoring the strengthened position of Eccho Rights as a preferred partner for creators aspiring to maintain their independence in a rapidly consolidating industry.
The acquisition is a testament to Night Train Media’s commitment to bolstering its position in the global TV distribution landscape, providing a robust platform for creators and distributors alike. As the industry continues to evolve, collaborations like these are likely to pave the way for more diversified content offerings, catering to a broader spectrum of audience preferences across the globe.
