Thomas Riedel acquires ARRI: a new era for the Riedel Group

ARRI, the long-established manufacturer of imaging and lighting solutions for film, broadcast and events, is now owned by Thomas Riedel, founder and owner of Riedel Communications and the Riedel Group. This marks the largest acquisition to date for the Wuppertal-based entrepreneur and represents a further step in the company’s commitment to expanding into the more visual aspects of production.

Thomas Riedel was selected as the buyer following a “competitive international process” thanks to his “concept for a new home for ARRI”. Through this acquisition, a strategic alignment between ARRI and Riedel will be established, enabling the German manufacturer’s camera and lighting technologies to complement the group’s portfolio and open up “new technological and strategic market opportunities for both companies”; specifically in the areas of live entertainment and sport.

“My entrepreneurial path has been closely tied to ARRI for years. This acquisition represents the most significant personal milestone of my career so far. I have great respect for this exceptional brand, its outstanding products, and its strong team. At the same time, I see tremendous potential and am confident that, together, we can position ARRI for long-term stability and future success,” says Riedel himself. As the first joint milestone of this collaboration, ARRI will debut its camera technology at the Eurovision Song Contest, where Riedel acts as technology provider and PNÉ as production supervisor.

Under the new ownership of Thomas Riedel, the current management team at ARRI will remain at the helm of the company with the aim of continuing to drive the transformation it is currently undergoing. Furthermore, the company will retain its operational independence and remain headquartered in Munich. Chris Richter, Managing Director of ARRI, welcomes the agreement: “Thomas Riedel has built a first-generation family business and stands for entrepreneurial continuity and long-term thinking. We look forward to working with a successful entrepreneur and to the resulting market opportunities and access — both in existing and new markets.” David Bermbach, co-Managing Director of ARRI, adds that the partnership with Riedel will bring “highly complementary technologies and extensive expertise in live production to this partnership”.