MUMBAI: Reliance MediaWorks (USA) has won a joint bid with China‘s Galloping Horse America to acquire James Cameron backed Digital Domain Media Group‘s Mothership Media and certain other businesses and assets of Digital Domain Productions, and subsidiaries for $30.2 million.
Galloping Horse America will hold 70 per cent stake while Reliance MediaWorks will have a 30 per cent stake in the Digital Domain joint venture. The sale is subject to execution of an asset purchase agreement and Bankruptcy Court approval, the hearing for which is scheduled for 24 September.
Searchlight Capital Partners had submitted a stalking horse bid for the Digital Domain and Mothership assets in the amount of $15 million.
DDMG filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on 11 September.
Galloping Horse-Reliance will acquire all assets constituting the businesses of Digital Domain and Mothership feature film and advertising visual effects, commercial production and virtual humans, studios in California and Vancouver, BC, Canada and a co-production stake in the feature film Ender‘s Game.
Pursuant to section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, Galloping Horse - Reliance will acquire these assets free and clear of all claims and encumbrances, with the proceeds going to the bankruptcy estate. The businesses will continue to operate in the normal course of business, with the joint venture assuming ownership upon Court approval.
Beijing Galloping Horse Film Vice Chairman and MD Ivy Zhong said, "Digital Domain is a legend in the industry, known for its world-class quality of work and creative talent. We are thrilled to have found a partner in Reliance MediaWorks that is as committed as we are to ensuring Digital Domain‘s continued excellence and success."
Reliance MediaWorks Chief Executive Officer, Film & Media Services Venkatesh Roddam said, "We have had a wonderful working relationship with Digital Domain over the years and we could not be happier to take it further through the joint Galloping Horse - Reliance acquisition. We are looking forward to working with Digital Domain employees and customers to make the operation better and stronger."
Beijing Galloping Horse and Reliance MediaWorks have a combined enterprise value of more than $25 billion, complementary offerings and presence in multiple worldwide geographies strategic to the entertainment industry.
"This is a great day for Digital Domain," said Digital Domain Chief Executive Officer Ed Ulbrich. "Our new partners have incredible strength and reach in the global entertainment marketplace. They are powerful strategic partners that understand our business and our clients‘ business. Their support enables us to continue creating the highest quality entertainment and advertising and puts us in the strongest financial position that Digital Domain has ever been in. We are grateful to all of the bidders and couldn‘t be more pleased with this outcome."
