Major European production and distribution groups: Leonine Studios

The arrival of the international streamers was the spur for the 2019 creation of Leonine Studios by Fred Kogel, a German TV veteran and a former CEO of Constantin, who felt the German market was ripe for consolidation. Backed by KKR, one of Leonine’s first acquisitions was The Lives Of Others and Dark producer Wiedemann & Berg.

Kogel has since built a major German player, active across all genres of TV and film production as well as distribution. Film is an important part of Leonine’s DNA, delivering revenue across distribution, licensing and production. It has acquired all rights in Germany to the latest instalments in the John Wick and Hunger Games franchises as well as Everything Everywhere All At Once and The Zone Of Interest. Leonine also co-produces and distributes hit German film series School Of Magical Animals (part three is set for September 2024 release, part four is in pre-­production). Its television output includes big-budget Prime Video series The Gryphon, while animation and documentary is an increasing focus thanks to investments in production companies Toon2Tango and Gebrueder Beetz respectively.

Looking ahead, Leonine is planning bolt-on acquisitions in Germany. It has a joint venture with fellow KKR-backed French group Mediawan, called Mediawan & Leonine Studios. This has a presence in the UK, having bought into UK producer Drama Republic (One Day, The English) in 2021. Mediawan is reportedly weighing up a takeover of Leonine Studios, which would create a combined group valued between $2.7bn-$3.3bn (€2.5bn-€3bn).

• In focus: the major European production and distribution groups