ARRI and Riedel plan to combine their respective technologies and develop integrated solutions that open new creative and technical possibilities from camera optics to distribution.
Thomas Riedel, founder and owner of Riedel Communications and the Riedel Group, has acquired ARRI, manufacturer of camera and lighting technology for motion picture and live entertainment, based in Munich. Located in Wuppertal, Thomas Riedel was chosen in a competitive international process with his concept for a new home for ARRI, marking the largest acquisition of his career.
The Riedel Group specialises in audio, video and data technology, delivering infrastructure solutions for demanding broadcast, live event, and sports productions. Through the acquisition of ARRI, Thomas Riedel establishes a close strategic alignment between ARRI and the Riedel Group, expanding its expertise across the entire production chain – from camera optics to distribution. ARRI’s ecosystem of camera, lighting and systems technology complements the Riedel Group’s existing portfolio and opens technological and strategic market opportunities for both companies.
Founded in 1917, ARRI has been family-owned ever since and is regarded as a global leader in professional film technology. The company has been recognized with 20 scientific and technical awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. “For more than a century, ARRI has stood for engineering excellence, innovation and the highest quality. This success story will now continue and remain in German ownership,” said Dr. Walter Stahl, Managing Director of ARRI GmbH and member of the founding family.
L - R: Christian Richter, Managing Director ARRI; Frank Eischet, CFO Riedel; David Bermbach, Managing Director ARRI; Thomas Riedel, Group CEO Riedel; Christoph Stahl, Member of the ARRI founding family
Through close collaboration, ARRI and Riedel aim to devlop new areas of growth, especially in live entertainment and sports. By combining their respective technologies, the companies plan to develop integrated solutions that open new creative and technical possibilities for customers. As the first joint milestone of this collaboration, ARRI will debut its camera technology at the Eurovision Song Contest, where Riedel serves as the technology provider and NEP oversees production.
Under the new ownership of Thomas Riedel, ARRI’s existing management team will continue to lead the company and further advance its ongoing transformation. The company will retain independent operations and remain headquartered in Munich.
“Thomas Riedel has built a first-generation family business and stands for entrepreneurial continuity and long-term thinking,” said Chris Richter, Managing Director of ARRI. “We look forward to working with a successful entrepreneur and to the resulting market opportunities and access — both in existing and new markets.”
“The Riedel Group brings complementary technologies and extensive expertise in live production to this partnership,” said David Bermbach, Managing Director of ARRI. “This strengthens our strategic direction as a trusted technology leader for the next generation of media & entertainment.”
“My entrepreneurial path has been closely tied to ARRI for years,” said Thomas Riedel. “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.” www.riedel.net
