FL Entertainment, the parent company of production group Banijay, has launched a live events division, Banijay Events.

The new offering aims capitalise on the company’s content production expertise, as well as expand its capabilities within the wider entertainment industry.

Banijay Events will be led by Banijay France CEO, François de Brugada.

1. Banijay live events - Francois_DE_BRUGADA_HD_Set1_8286_R[49]

François de Brugada, Banijay France

The announcement follows Banijay’s investment this month in Milan-based Balich Wonder Studio, a live event creator and service provider whose credits include the 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup; Pan American Games Ceremonies in Perù 2019 and Chile 2023; 2016 Rio Olympic Games Ceremonies (CC2016); and 2014 Sochi Olympic Games closing and Paralympic Games Ceremonies.

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Banijay says that the live events production industry has significant growth potential, noting that it remains largely unconsolidated and has a business model very similar to that of content production and distribution.

François Riahi, CEO, FL Entertainment said: “The live events business has rapidly soared post-Covid and given our already-established entertainment assets, it represents a perfect addition to our Group and to our strategy to become an integrated global entertainment leader. Capitalising on our entrepreneurial production/distribution model, we have great ambitions in this area and are confident this new reinforced offering will become a destination for creativity and awe-inspiring activity.”

Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay, said: “Diversifying our content capabilities beyond the screen marks a real gear shift for the group. Banijay Events launches with a solid base thanks to the recently announced investments, and from here, there are so many opportunities for further collaboration and onward global growth. This, combined with the appointment of François, who has been a key player in Banijay’s journey, marks a significant commitment to the live events business and we all look forward to seeing what comes next.”

Brugada has served as CEO of Banijay France since 2015. Recruitment is currently underway to find a replacement CEO for Banijay France, with Brugada remaining in place until at least September.

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