ARRI Has Been Acquired: The Riedel Group is Taking Over the Legendary Camera and Lighting Company

Well, this is a major shakeup for the film and video industry. ARRI, perhaps the single most iconic and famous manufacturer of camera and lighting gear in film history, has been sold. Thomas Riedel, the founder and owner of Riedel Communications and the Riedel Group, has acquired ARRI.

Here’s what we know so far, including statements from both brands.

ARRI Has Been Acquired

According to a press release, the Riedel Group has acquired ARRI, you know, the Munich-based premium manufacturer of camera and lighting technology for motion picture and live entertainment. Thomas Riedel, the founder and owner of the Riedel Group, placed the winning bid and was selected in a competition to become the new owner of ARRI, making it the largest acquisition of his career to date.

Now, there’s a lot to explore here over the coming weeks and months as to what this will ultimately mean for both brands moving forward, but from a quick glance at the info, it does sound like Riedel was the chosen party due to the group’s forays into audio, video, and data technologies.

The Riedel Group appears to have a sophisticated production chain that could possibly help grow ARRI’s ecosystem of camera, lighting, and systems technologies. However, as is the case with most major acquisitions, just because something is promised one way doesn’t mean it ends up that way.

ARRI’s Iconic Legacy

Originally founded back in 1917, ARRI has been a family-owned organization for well over a hundred years. However, as we’ve covered before, it had been struggling, and a sale was reportedly being explored.

“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.

Still, having been recognized with 20 scientific and technical awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and perhaps the single greatest legacy in film history, it’s hard to understell just what a major change of ownership that this is.

What Comes Next?

As mentioned above, this is news hot off the press, so there will likely be much more to explore in the coming weeks and months. Yet, with NAB about to hit, this will likely also be one of the hottest, most hotly discussed and debated topics over the next few weeks.

If you are concerned about ARRI losing its legacy and perhaps shuttering the development and maintenance of its flagship camera and lighting products, here are some statements that suggest things should remain positive—at least for the short term.

“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.” - Chris Richter, Managing Director of ARRI.

And here's a statement from the man himself, Thomas Riedel:

“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 longterm stability and future success.” - Thomas Riedel.

The companies have also shared that under the new ownership, “ARRI’s existing management team will continue to lead the company and further advance its ongoing transformation,” and that the company will retain independent operations and remain headquartered in Munich.