Reed Smith has advised AMC Networks on the acquisition of the German media company Kinowelt Television, including its film rights and licenses.
Founded in 2004, KinoweltTV was the first German TV station completely dedicated to high-class feature films. With this acquisition AMC expands its European presence with full distribution across all platforms in German-speaking Europe. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
Reed Smith Partner Stephan Rippert, who led the firm's team on the deal, commented that: "The successful completion of this acquisition enables AMC to expand its television business into Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for the first time. Our strong corporate, media, tax and employment expertise allowed us to provide a full service to the client, resulting in the smooth delivery of the deal."
Rippert's team advised AMC on all aspects of the acquisition, as well as advising on all related media regulatory issues and tax, labor, and employment law. The full team consisted of, in addition to Rippert: Partner Thomas Gierath, and Associates Artur Korn, Katharina Weimer, Frank Mizera, and Claudia Rothlingshofer. Leonardo & Co and Osborne Clarke advised Kinowelt Television.