After months of speculation about its future, ARRI has confirmed the business has been sold. The new owner is Thomas Riedel, founder of Riedel Communications and the Riedel Group.
Why has ARRI been sold?
Back as far as August 2025, we reported that ARRI could be up for sale. This was after Bloomberg ran a story which claimed that the ARRI Group was considering options for the company’s future.
Then, in November 25, Bloomberg reported that ARRI was going to shut two factories in Germany. These sites in Stephanskirchen and Brannenburg were two of ARRI’s lighting factory, repair and distribution centers. However, ARRI was quick to dismiss any suggestions that it was planning to wind down its lighting business.
Who is Thomas Riedel?
Thomas Riedel is an entrepreneur from Wuppertal. His Riedel Group is a global specialist in advanced audio, video and data technology, with infrastructure used across demanding broadcast, live event and sports productions. ARRI confirmed that Riedel was chosen through a competitive international process, winning the company over with his vision for a new home for the brand. The deal is the largest acquisition of his career to date.
What next for ARRI?
In a press release, ARRI said it aims to unlock new areas of growth alongside Riedel, particularly in live entertainment and sports.
The first joint milestone will come at the Eurovision Song Contest, where ARRI will debut new camera technology. Riedel already serves as the event’s technology provider, with NEP overseeing production. ARRI’s existing management team will stay in place, and the company will retain independent operations headquartered in Munich.
Complementary technologies
“The Riedel Group brings highly 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.”
What we think
Concerns about ARRI’s future built through the second half of 2025. Despite being arguably the leading name in cinema cameras and professional lighting, the company was facing real challenges.
In the lead-up to the factory closures, ARRI worked with consultancy AlixPartners to streamline its operations. That process now appears to have come to fruition with the sale of a leaner, more profitable business.
The acquisition by Thomas Riedel should bring some stability back to ARRI. With any luck, it keeps the brand around for the long haul.
