The entertainment PR industry in Europe is vibrant and dynamic, encompassing a wide range of activities from strategic communications to talent management. Companies in this sector work on behalf of artists, sponsors, and events, focusing on maximizing visibility and reputation. These businesses include PR agencies, media firms, and digital marketing companies, all of which employ innovative approaches to connect creatively with audiences. As consumer preferences evolve, there is a growing trend toward using data analytics to understand market dynamics better and tailor campaign strategies. Traditional media collaborations flourish alongside rapid digital advancements, driving new opportunities in promotion and audience engagement.


The roster of investors detailed here reflects a range of backgrounds, from venture capital firms like Kima Ventures to corporate giants like Sky. Headquarters stretch across prominent cities including Paris, London, and Berlin, while investment counts for 2024 highlight their active engagement. Most firms boast considerable workforces, with many established quite some time ago. This mixture of size and experience enables collaboration on significant projects within the entertainment PR sector. The cumulative investments signal a promising future for the industry, as these backers strengthen their foothold in an ever-evolving market.


Top 17 Entertainment PR Investors in Europe


1. Wpp

  • Website: wpp.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: wpp

WPP plc is a prominent advertising and communications company based in London, England, founded in 1985. With over 10,000 employees, WPP provides a wide range of services, including advertising, public relations, media buying, and market research. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the entertainment PR sector. Notably, WPP acquired Prism Sport + Entertainment in 1999, which focuses on sports and entertainment marketing, showcasing their commitment to this niche. In addition, WPP's acquisition of FGS Global in 2020 further strengthens their public relations services, which are essential for brand visibility in the entertainment industry. Their acquisition of Hirschen Group and thjnk AG also reflects their strategy to bolster creative services, which are crucial for effective entertainment PR campaigns.


2. Publicis Groupe

  • Website: publicisgroupe.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1926
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: publicis-groupe

Publicis Groupe, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Paris, Île-De-France, France, is a leading corporate investor in the advertising and marketing consultancy space. With over 10,000 employees, the company provides a wide range of services, including advertising, public relations, and digital business transformation. In recent years, Publicis has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its public relations capabilities, particularly in the entertainment sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of The Herd Agency in Australia, which enhances their PR services in that market, and the acquisition of Taylor Herring, a London-based PR agency known for its creative campaigns. Additionally, the recent acquisition of Picture Motion further strengthens their position in the entertainment PR landscape. These acquisitions reflect Publicis Groupe's commitment to expanding its influence and capabilities in public relations, making it a relevant player in the entertainment PR industry.


3. Bauer Media Group

  • Website: bauermedia.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1875
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: bauer-media-group

Bauer Media Group is a corporate investor based in Hamburg, Germany, founded in 1875. The company specializes in publishing and audio broadcasting, offering a diverse range of products including magazines, digital content, and radio stations. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Bauer Media serves millions of consumers and businesses across Europe. In recent years, the company has made several strategic acquisitions that enhance its position in the entertainment sector. Notably, they acquired Celador Radio Broadcasting in 2019, Communicorp Media in 2021, and are in the process of acquiring iRadio, a leading youth music station in Ireland. Additionally, their acquisition of Pacific Magazines, which is set to be completed in 2024, further solidifies their commitment to engaging content and marketing services in the entertainment industry. These transactions highlight Bauer Media's active role in shaping the media landscape and their potential influence in entertainment PR.


4. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a public entity and financial institution based in Paris, Île-De-France, founded in 2015. It supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a range of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. Bpifrance aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in significant transactions within the entertainment sector, such as its investment in Groover, a Paris-based music promotion platform that raised $8 million in Series A funding in February 2024. This platform is dedicated to empowering independent artists and connecting them with industry professionals, showcasing Bpifrance's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Bpifrance has participated in earlier funding rounds for Groover, including a $6.9 million venture round in November 2021, further emphasizing its ongoing support for businesses in the entertainment PR space.


5. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, based in London, England. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland. BGF focuses on addressing the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has made significant investments in the communications sector, including a £10 million investment in Four Communications, one of the UK's leading independent communications agencies. This investment aims to support Four Communications in making acquisitions in the UK, Middle East, and South East Asia, highlighting BGF's engagement in the communications and potentially entertainment PR landscape. Other transactions include investments in companies like KOMI Group and NewGen, although these are less directly related to entertainment PR.


6. Ldc

  • Website: ldc.co.uk
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited, commonly known as LDC, is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. The firm focuses on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success through investment and advisory services. Notably, LDC has made significant investments in the entertainment sector, including a stake in Sohonet, a leading provider of connectivity and media services for the media and entertainment industry, aimed at supporting its international growth strategy. Additionally, LDC's investment in Headland Consultancy, a specialist in corporate communications and public affairs, highlights their engagement in the PR landscape. These transactions illustrate LDC's commitment to supporting businesses that operate at the intersection of entertainment and public relations.


7. Next 15


Next 15 Group plc is a consulting agency based in London, specializing in growth consultancy with a focus on marketing, data, and business transformation. Founded in 1981, the company operates through a decentralized network of specialized consultancies. Notably, Next 15 has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its PR capabilities, including the acquisition of M Booth & Associates in 2009, which aimed to strengthen their consumer PR capabilities in the US, particularly in sectors like entertainment. They also acquired OutCast Communications in 2005, positioning themselves as a significant player in the San Francisco/Silicon Valley PR sector, which includes entertainment-focused clients. Other acquisitions, such as Bite (now Archetype) and Connections Media, further demonstrate their commitment to expanding their PR services across various industries, including entertainment.


8. Liberty Global

  • Website: libertyglobal.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: liberty-global

Liberty Global Ltd. is a prominent telecommunications company based in London, England, providing a wide range of services including gigabit broadband, 5G mobile services, and entertainment platforms. Founded in 2005, the company operates across multiple European countries, leveraging its extensive network infrastructure to serve both consumers and businesses. Liberty Global has made several notable investments in the entertainment sector, including the acquisition of TV3, Ireland's leading commercial broadcaster, for €80 million, which underscores their commitment to securing a foothold in the media landscape. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for companies like COPA90, a digital media company focused on football culture, and STX Entertainment, which is involved in film and television production. These transactions reflect Liberty Global's strategic interest in enhancing its entertainment offerings and expanding its influence in the entertainment PR industry.


9. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a Paris-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors. The firm is known for its rapid investment pace, backing two startups per week, providing not only financial support but also mentorship to help these companies navigate their initial challenges. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Groover, a music tech startup that raised €1.3 million to enhance its matching system and expand into international markets. This investment highlights Kima's engagement in the entertainment sector, particularly in music technology. Additionally, Kima Ventures has participated in funding rounds for other startups like Animaj and Sekai Studio, which may also have ties to the entertainment industry, further demonstrating their diverse investment portfolio that includes entertainment-related ventures.


10. Sky

  • Website: sky.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1989
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sky

Sky Group Limited is a media and telecommunications company based in the United Kingdom, founded in 1989. It offers a range of services including satellite television, broadband, and mobile communications, serving both consumers and businesses across Europe. In recent years, Sky has made strategic investments in the entertainment sector, notably acquiring a 51% majority stake in Avanti Media, known for producing the show 'Songs of Praise', and a majority stake in True North Productions, which specializes in factual programming. These acquisitions reflect Sky's commitment to expanding its content production capabilities and enhancing its entertainment offerings, positioning it as a key player in the entertainment PR landscape.


11. 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 prominent television production and distribution company based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Founded in 2015, the group has rapidly expanded its portfolio, 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 reach in the reality TV genre. Additionally, the acquisition of Balich Wonder Studio, a live-event company, signifies their commitment to diversifying their content offerings. These strategic moves not only bolster their production capabilities but also enhance their influence in the entertainment PR landscape, as they manage and promote a wide array of engaging content across various platforms.


12. Axel Springer

  • Website: axelspringer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1946
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: axel-springer-se

Axel Springer SE is a prominent media company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. It specializes in publishing news and digital media, operating a diverse portfolio of brands such as BILD and Business Insider. The company is dedicated to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. Notably, Axel Springer has made significant investments in the entertainment and digital media space, including leading a $16.2 million Series D funding round for NowThis, a video news startup that focuses on engaging younger audiences through social media platforms. Additionally, the company participated in funding rounds for Group Nine Media, which emphasizes content creation and distribution across various digital channels. The acquisition of GRB Studios further underscores Axel Springer's commitment to content production, making it a key player in the entertainment PR industry.


13. 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 private equity firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2005. It specializes in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, managing approximately €193 billion in assets for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors. CVC has made notable investments in the entertainment sector, including the acquisition of Nine Entertainment in 2007, which is a leading media company in Australia. They also acquired Teneo in 2019, a firm that provides strategic advisory services, including public relations, which aligns with the entertainment PR industry. Furthermore, CVC's investment in Dorna Sports, the commercial rights holder for MotoGP, showcases their engagement in sports entertainment, further solidifying their presence in the entertainment landscape.


14. Future

  • Website: futureplc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1985
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: future-publishing

Future plc is a corporate investor based in London, England, founded in 1985. The company specializes in connecting consumers with their passions through high-quality content and innovative technology. Future operates various specialist media brands and engages with both consumers and businesses, providing trusted information and resources across multiple industries. Notably, Future has made significant acquisitions in the entertainment sector, including the purchase of WhatCulture, a prominent brand in entertainment publishing, announced on March 24, 2022. This acquisition highlights Future's commitment to enhancing its presence in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Future has acquired other brands such as Purch, BallHype, ShortList, and Waive, which, while not all directly related to entertainment PR, demonstrate the company's broad media interests and capabilities in content creation and audience engagement.


15. Itv

  • Website: itvplc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1955
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: itv

ITV plc is a corporate media company based in London, England, founded in 1955. It operates as a broadcaster and content producer, offering a variety of television and streaming services. ITV is known for producing high-quality content for audiences and providing advertising opportunities for businesses. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the entertainment industry, including the acquisition of Mammoth Screen, known for producing the BBC's Poldark adaptation, and World Productions, which enhances ITV's drama production capabilities. Additionally, ITV has acquired Thinkfactory Media, further expanding its content production capabilities. These transactions reflect ITV's commitment to enhancing its entertainment offerings and engaging with viewers and advertisers effectively.


16. 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. As a digital entertainment and media platform, Azerion provides advertising solutions and manages a diverse portfolio of gaming content. The company serves a wide range of clients, including advertisers, digital publishers, and consumers, facilitating connections through its proprietary technology and extensive gaming network. In recent years, Azerion has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in the digital advertising space. Notably, they acquired Infinia Mobile, a digital marketing company, to enhance their advertising capabilities in Spain and Latin America. Additionally, the acquisition of Hybrid Theory, a data-led programmatic agency, aims to strengthen their position in managing advertiser campaign performance across key markets such as the UK, US, and APAC. These transactions reflect Azerion's commitment to expanding its influence in the digital entertainment and advertising sectors, which are closely related to entertainment public relations.


17. CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA

  • Website: eventim.de
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Bremen, Bremen, Germany
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: cts-eventim-ag

CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA, founded in 1999 and based in Bremen, Germany, is a leading ticketing service and event promotion company. The firm specializes in providing ticketing solutions for concerts and festivals, catering to both consumers seeking live entertainment and businesses in the event industry looking for promotional services. CTS EVENTIM operates a digital platform for ticket sales and collaborates with various promoters across multiple countries. Notably, the company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the entertainment sector, including the acquisition of a majority stake in DreamHaus GmbH, a Berlin-based concert promoter, which enhances its network of European promoters. Additionally, CTS EVENTIM acquired a controlling interest in Talent Concert International, a prominent Russian tour promoter, and a 51% stake in the Italian concert promoter Vertigo, further expanding its international reach in live entertainment. These transactions underscore CTS EVENTIM's commitment to promoting live events and its influential role in the entertainment PR landscape.



Entertainment PR Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
WppLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19852
Publicis GroupeParis, Île-De-France, France10001+19267
Bauer Media GroupHamburg, Hamburg, Germany10001+18752
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153
LdcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200198115
Next 15London, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500019810
Liberty GlobalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+20057
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
SkyUnited Kingdom (UK)10001+19892
Endemol Shine GroupAmsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands5001-1000020152
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
FutureLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500019850
ItvLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000019550
AzerionSchiphol-Rijk, North Holland, Netherlands1001-500020142
CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaABremen, Bremen, Germany1001-500019991


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