Major European production and distribution groups: Newen Studios

Newen was launched in 2008 by French media entrepreneur Fabrice Larue, who bought the production companies behind French soap Plus Belle La Vie and international hit Versailles.

In 2015, Newen itself was acquired by France’s leading commercial network TF1 as part of a major diversification into production and international distribution to lessen reliance on its channels business. In recent years, Newen has expanded internationally and in France — it now has more than 50 production companies in 11 territories — while its shows are sold worldwide by distribution subsidiary Newen Connect.

Last month Newen grew its presence in Germany, taking a majority stake in The Gryphon producer Dog Haus. This follows a period of focus on the Spanish market — in December last year Newen took control of Kubik Films, the Spanish producer behind La Zona and Crematorium. Marie Guillaumond’s Felicita also joined Newen Studios last year, while the firm strengthened its presence in the animation sector with the acquisition of French production companies Digital Banana and Brain Comet.

Recent highlights include the relaunch of TF1’s French daily soap Plus Belle La Vie. Newen Studios’ film subsidiary TF1 Studio co-produced French box-office hit Alibi.com 2.

Meanwhile, change is afoot at the top of Newen Studios: after six years as CEO, Romain Bessi is stepping down to be replaced in April by Pierre Branco, former country manager of Warner Bros Discovery for France, Benelux and Africa. Newen says Branco’s role will be to “embed Newen as the leading European studio with French roots”.

• In focus: the major European production and distribution groups