Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc., a global multi-platform media company, has acquired worldwide narrative film and documentary distributor Gravitas Ventures from Red Arrow Studios, the content production and distribution arm of German company ProSiebenSat.1 Group.
The purchase was made by Anthem in cash and common stock. This latest addition to the Anthem family of properties marks a continuation of the Company’s commitment to acquiring high-quality premium content and diversifying its growing portfolio with culturally relevant entertainment through both traditional and digital distribution channels. Gravitas Ventures joins a roster of high-profile properties that includes AXS TV, HDNET MOVIES, IMPACT Wrestling, Invicta Fighting Championships, Fight Network, Game+ and GameTV. The purchase gives Anthem over 8,000 hours of sports and entertainment content in its library to complement its seven consumer-facing streaming channel brands.
For over 15 years, Gravitas Ventures has been connecting filmmakers to a global audience of more than a billion people—collaborating with rising talent and established artists alike, to share important films and documentaries with viewers around the world. As one of the first companies to develop partnerships with digital media platforms, the Cleveland-based company boasts a wide-ranging network of strong connections with leading providers throughout the AVOD, PVOD, VOD, SVOD, electronic sell through, electronic rental and theatrical landscapes. It has been fueled by a simple mission to bring dynamic stories to the marketplace by building bridges between filmmakers and consumer-friendly technology offerings. Gravitas has been part of Red Arrow Studios since November 2017, and typically releases over 300 films and documentaries per year. The most recent successful films in the portfolio include the 2020 feature THE SECRET: DARE TO DREAM, starring Katie Holmes and the 2021 film QUEEN BEES, starring Ellen Burstyn and James Caan.
Founder and CEO Nolan Gallagher, President Michael Murphy, EVP and General Counsel Brendan Gallagher and CFO Brian Kenyon will be joining the Anthem executive team. Additionally, the entire Gravitas Ventures organization will remain intact.
The acquisition establishes Anthem as a significant player in the burgeoning digital content distribution realm and bolsters the rosters of Anthem properties AXS TV, HDNET MOVIES and GameTV, giving each network access to Gravitas Ventures’ collection of diverse well-regarded titles. The move also opens up new areas of growth and revenue for Anthem’s existing content library, allowing Anthem to utilize Gravitas’ rich partnerships with top digital platforms.
Upon completion of the transaction, Anthem will add more than 200 customers to its ranks, while unlocking additional promotion opportunities for its various business units and enabling Gravitas to invest further in content opportunities, new themed channels and to enter the television distribution market.
