Thomas Riedel, founder and owner of Riedel Communications and the Riedel Group, has acquired ARRI, the Munich‑based premium manufacturer of camera and lighting technology for motion picture and live entertainment.
The entrepreneur from Wuppertal was selected through a competitive international process based on his concept for a new home for ARRI, marking the largest acquisition of his career to date.
The Riedel Group is a globally recognised specialist in advanced audio, video, and data technology, providing infrastructure solutions for many of the world’s most 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 new technological and strategic market opportunities for both companies,” a press release said.
Founded in 1917, ARRI has remained family‑owned and is regarded as a global leader in professional film technology, having earned 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,” said Dr. Walter Stahl, managing director of ARRI GmbH and member of the founding family.
“This success story will now continue and remain in German ownership.”
Through close collaboration, ARRI and Riedel will aim to unlock new areas of growth, particularly in live entertainment and sports.
By combining their respective technologies, the companies plan to develop integrated solutions that offer new creative and technical possibilities for customers.
As the first joint milestone of this partnership, ARRI will debut its camera technology at the Eurovision Song Contest, where Riedel serves as the technology provider and NEP oversees production.
Under Thomas Riedel’s ownership, ARRI’s existing management team will continue to lead the company and advance its ongoing transformation. The company will maintain 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 highly complementary technologies and extensive expertise in live production to this partnership,” added David Bermbach, managing director of ARRI. “This strengthens our strategic direction as a ‘Trusted Technology Leader for the Next Generation of Media & Entertainment’.”
