The entertainment public relations industry in the Benelux countries is characterized by its vibrant and multifaceted nature. It includes companies involved in media, broadcasting, digital content, and live events, all working to create engaging connections between brands and audiences. This industry recognizes the increasing influence of digital platforms, as more consumers turn to streaming services and social media for entertainment. As competition increases, firms are focusing on innovative strategies to capture audience attention while providing a range of communication tools and technologies. The future promises further integration of tech and entertainment, shaping how narratives are crafted and shared.


The top investors in the Benelux entertainment PR market span various sectors, including corporate, venture capital, and private equity. Located mainly in Luxembourg, Amsterdam, and Brussels, these firms vary significantly in size and investment approach. In 2024 alone, they made notable moves, with CVC leading the pack with 16 deals, while others like RTL Group recorded no investments. Founded from 1969 onwards, these organizations exhibit a rich history of reinvestment and partnerships, consistently shaping and redefining the entertainment space and its communication strategies.


Top 13 Entertainment PR Investors in Benelux


1. Endemol Shine Group

  • Website: banijay.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: endemolshine

Endemol Shine Group, a subsidiary of Banijay Entertainment S.A., is a leading television production and distribution company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Founded in 2015, the group has rapidly expanded its influence in the entertainment industry, boasting over 130 production labels and a vast catalogue of more than 200,000 hours of programming. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Bunim-Murray Productions, famous for reality television hits like 'The Real World' and 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians', which enhances their portfolio in the reality genre. Additionally, the acquisition of Balich Wonder Studio, a prominent live-event company, further diversifies their offerings and strengthens their position in the entertainment landscape. These strategic acquisitions reflect their commitment to producing high-quality content that engages audiences across various platforms, making them a relevant player in the entertainment PR space.


2. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant acquisitions in the entertainment sector, including Nine Entertainment in 2007, which is a leading media company in Australia, and Dorna Sports, which manages the MotoGP racing series. Additionally, their acquisition of Teneo in 2019 highlights their involvement in strategic communications and advisory services, further linking them to the entertainment PR landscape. Their recent investment in Boost Media also indicates a focus on media and digital platforms, which are increasingly relevant in the entertainment industry.


3. Azerion

  • Website: azerion.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Schiphol-Rijk, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: azerion

Azerion Group N.V. is a corporate investor based in Schiphol-Rijk, North Holland, Netherlands, founded in 2014. It operates as a digital entertainment and media platform, providing advertising solutions and managing a diverse portfolio of gaming content. Azerion serves advertisers, digital publishers, and consumers, facilitating connections through its proprietary technology and extensive gaming network. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Infinia Mobile, a digital marketing company aimed at enhancing advertising capabilities in Spain and Latin America, and Hybrid Theory, a data-led programmatic agency that strengthens Azerion's position in managing advertiser campaign performance across key markets. Additionally, the acquisition of InSkin Media and Madvertise further demonstrates Azerion's commitment to expanding its digital advertising platform, which is crucial for entertainment PR efforts.


4. RTL Group

  • Website: rtl.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: rtl-group

RTL Group is a leading media company based in Luxembourg, founded in 2000. It operates extensively in the entertainment industry, offering a diverse range of services that include television broadcasting, streaming platforms, and comprehensive advertising solutions. The company is dedicated to helping businesses engage with audiences across Europe through high-quality content and cutting-edge advertising technology. Although no specific transactions have been documented for RTL Group in 2024, its established presence in the entertainment sector positions it as a significant player in the industry, particularly in the realm of public relations and audience engagement.


5. United Media


United Media is a corporate media company based in Luxembourg, founded in 2013, that operates extensively in Southeast Europe. The company provides a diverse range of services, including television broadcasting, digital content distribution, and original content production. United Media has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its media presence and improve programming quality. Notable transactions include the acquisition of a 50% stake in Emsa Media, a digital hub with popular portals, and the purchase of national television channels Pink BH and Pink M in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Additionally, they acquired TV Vijesti and a 71% stake in Slovenian publishing house Adria Media, further solidifying their position in the entertainment sector. These transactions highlight United Media's commitment to expanding its entertainment offerings and advertising capabilities, making it a significant player in the entertainment PR landscape.


6. Barco

  • Website: barco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Kortrijk, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1934
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: barco

Barco NV is a corporate investor based in Kortrijk, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1934. The company specializes in digital projection and imaging solutions, serving various sectors including healthcare, enterprise, and notably, entertainment. Barco's product offerings include medical displays, projection systems, and collaboration technology, which are essential for enhancing visualization and communication. In the entertainment sector, Barco has made significant acquisitions such as Medialon, High End Systems, and Cinionic. The acquisition of Cinionic in 2023, which focuses on premium cinema products, underscores Barco's commitment to the global cinema industry. Additionally, their acquisition of High End Systems in 2008 reinforced their leadership in video and lighting, further expanding their influence in entertainment technology. These strategic moves highlight Barco's role in shaping the entertainment landscape through innovative technology solutions.


7. Mediahuis nv

  • Website: mediahuis.be
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: mediahuis-belgie

Mediahuis nv is a corporate investor based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 2013. The company operates in the media sector, focusing on publishing and broadcasting services. It has made significant acquisitions to strengthen its position in the European media landscape. Notably, in April 2023, Mediahuis acquired RadioCorp, which owns popular radio stations such as 100% NL, SLAM!, and SUNLITE, and is in the process of acquiring Radio Veronica. This move aims to enhance their presence in the Dutch radio market and local advertising. Additionally, in January 2022, Mediahuis completed the acquisition of Aachener Verlagsgesellschaft (AVG), a German media group, further expanding its reach in local newspaper publishing. These transactions highlight Mediahuis's commitment to growing its media portfolio, particularly in audio entertainment, which intersects with the entertainment PR industry.


8. Altice Group

  • Website: altice.net
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: altice-group

Altice Group, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Luxembourg, is a telecommunications and mass media company that provides internet, TV, and phone services across Western Europe, Israel, the United States, and the Caribbean. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Altice has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the media landscape. Notably, in 2017, Altice acquired Portugal's Media Capital Group for €440 million, gaining control over several media assets, including the commercial channel TVI. This acquisition is aimed at enhancing Altice's content production capabilities and digital expansion. In 2019, Altice acquired a 60% stake in the French OTT startup Molotov, which focuses on streaming services, further emphasizing its commitment to content delivery and innovation in the entertainment sector. Additionally, Altice's acquisition of Teads, a video advertising technology company, for $308 million highlights its interest in the digital advertising space, which is closely tied to entertainment PR. These transactions illustrate Altice Group's active role in the entertainment industry, particularly in media and content production.


9. Gimv

  • Website: gimv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1980
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: gimv

Gimv is a venture capital investment firm based in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium, founded in 1980. The firm partners with innovative companies across multiple sectors, including Consumer, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Smart Industries, and Sustainable Cities. Gimv provides investment management and strategic support to help businesses grow sustainably. Among their notable transactions, Gimv invested in XL Video, a global player in the rental of video display systems, with a €19 million investment that made them the largest shareholder. This investment highlights Gimv's engagement in the entertainment sector, as XL Video plays a crucial role in providing video solutions for events and productions. Additionally, Gimv's investment in Teads, a company specializing in video advertising, further emphasizes their involvement in the media and entertainment landscape, showcasing their capability to support businesses that intersect with entertainment PR.


10. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. EIB supports sustainable projects across various sectors, catering to both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Notably, EIB has been involved in several transactions within the entertainment sector, such as providing debt financing to DPG Media, which raised approximately $111 million, and Rovio Entertainment Corporation, known for its popular mobile game franchise, which secured around $34 million. Other relevant transactions include DanAds and Acast, which also received debt financing, indicating EIB's active role in supporting companies that contribute to the entertainment landscape.


11. Exor N.V.

  • Website: exor.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 26
  • LinkedIn: exor_2

Exor N.V. is a holding company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2009. It operates across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and media, and manages a diverse portfolio of companies such as Ferrari, Stellantis, and Philips. Exor focuses on enhancing value through strategic investments and operational support. Notably, Exor acquired a 43.78% stake in GEDI Gruppo Editoriale S.p.A., a significant player in the media industry, for €102.4 million in 2020. This acquisition positions Exor within the entertainment sector, as GEDI is involved in publishing and media operations. Furthermore, Exor is also involved with Juventus Football Club S.p.A., indicating their investment in sports entertainment, which is a vital aspect of the broader entertainment industry. These transactions highlight Exor's active role in sectors that intersect with entertainment and public relations.


12. Irdeto

  • Website: irdeto.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hoofddorp, North Holland, Netherlands
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: irdeto

Irdeto is a corporate investor based in Hoofddorp, North Holland, Netherlands, specializing in cybersecurity solutions for various industries, including video entertainment and gaming. Founded in 1969, Irdeto has established itself as a leader in digital security, offering services such as content protection and anti-piracy measures. Their client base includes pay-TV operators, game developers, and streaming services, all of whom rely on Irdeto's expertise to safeguard their assets and enhance user experiences. Notably, Irdeto has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the entertainment sector, including the acquisition of BayTSP in 2011, which focused on anti-piracy solutions, and Denuvo in 2018, aimed at enhancing security in the gaming industry. Additionally, Irdeto's strategic investment in Bidstack in 2022, a company that integrates in-game advertising, highlights their interest in innovative solutions within the entertainment space. These transactions underscore Irdeto's commitment to protecting digital content and supporting the revenue streams of entertainment businesses.


13. Verlinvest

  • Website: verlinvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: verlinvest

Verlinvest is a venture capital firm based in Brussels, Belgium, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in high-growth consumer brands across diverse sectors, including food, beverage, health, and technology. Verlinvest provides long-term capital and strategic advisory services to help brands scale and innovate. Notably, Verlinvest has invested in Kuku FM, an audio startup that aims to enhance its content creation ecosystem and expand its regional language offerings. This investment reflects Verlinvest's interest in the entertainment sector, particularly in audio content, as Kuku FM seeks to grow its paid subscriber base significantly. Additionally, Verlinvest has a history of supporting innovative companies, which may include future opportunities in the entertainment PR space.



Entertainment PR Insights: Key Investors in Benelux


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Endemol Shine GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands5001-1000020152
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
AzerionSchiphol-Rijk, North Holland, Netherlands1001-500020142
RTL GroupLuxembourg10001+20000
United MediaLuxembourg1001-500020130
BarcoKortrijk, Flanders, Belgium1001-500019341
Mediahuis nvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium1001-500020130
Altice GroupLuxembourg10001+20010
GimvAntwerp, Flanders, Belgium51-20019808
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Exor N.V.Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands11-50200926
IrdetoHoofddorp, North Holland, Netherlands1001-500019690
VerlinvestBrussels, Brussels, Belgium11-5019955


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