Technicolor a annoncé la vente de Technicolor Post auprès de Streamland Media, pour la somme de 30 million d’euros. Comme son nom l’indique, cette portion de l’empire Technicolor se focalisait sur la post-production.
Pour Streamland Media, le rachat est un moyen de renforcer ses opérations. Basée à Los Angeles, l’entité dispose de multiples studios autour du globe : Picture Shop, Formosa Group, Ghost VFX, Picture Head, The Farm, Finalé. Effets visuels, post production, son, supervision créative sont au coeur de ses activités.
Les activités de Technicolor Post, qui seront fusionnées au sein du portfolio existant, devraient se poursuivre sans impact sur les clients, et sans licenciements.
Pour Technicolor, qui s’est exprimé au travers de son CEO Richard Moat, il s’agit officiellement de recentrer les activités de la branche Technicolor Production Services vers les effets visuels et l’animation pour le segment du divertissement, et vers les services créatifs et technologies pour le segment publicitaire. Ces secteurs sont ceux, explique Technicolor, « qui amènent le plus de valeur » aux clients du groupe.
The Mill, MPC, Mr. X et Mikros Animation sont donc au coeur des priorités de Technicolor.
Si le communiqué ne l’évoque pas, il convient aussi de rappeler que le groupe a récemment connu revers et nouvelles sombres :
- fermeture brutale de MPC Vancouver fin 2019, licenciements à Montréal ;
- retour de l’affaire judiciaire liée au groupe Quinta Industries ;
- en juin dernier, Technicolor avait par ailleurs mis en place une restructuration avec un plan de sauvegarde côté français, et un placement sous « Chapter 15 » aux USA pour protéger ses avoirs pendant, justement, cette restructuration.
Technicolor expliquait à l’époque que cette restructuration était liée entre autres à la crise du Covid-19, mais aussi à la poursuite de l’érosion du secteur DVD.
Cette vente de Technicolor Post est donc évidemment à replacer dans un cadre plus global : celui d’un groupe qui se réorganise afin d’améliorer sa situation financière mais aussi pour mieux faire face à une pandémie qui, à n’en pas douter, continuera à exercer une pression sur son coeur de marché dans les mois à venir.
Voici pour finir le communiqué complet du groupe :
Paris (France), 14 January 2021 – Technicolor (Euronext Paris: TCH; OTCQX: TCLRY) announces today (i) that Streamland Media is purchasing the Technicolor Post business, subject to customary closing conditions, (ii) a share purchase by the CEO and (iii) the appointment of a new Board Observer.
Richard Moat, Chief Executive Officer of Technicolor, stated:
“Today’s announcements reaffirm our commitment to a stronger future for Technicolor. The strategic sale of Technicolor Post is part of our long-term vision for Production Services to focus on VFX and animation for the entertainment industry, and creative services and technologies for the advertising industry, which provide the maximum value to our clients. We will continue to focus on these core areas through our award-winning creative studios The Mill, MPC, Mr. X and Mikros Animation. Moreover, my personal investment in Technicolor shares marks my commitment to our transformation and my confidence in Technicolor’s future.”
Technicolor Post Sale
Streamland Media has agreed to purchase the Technicolor Post business for €30 million.
The sale, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close during the first half of 2021.
This move strengthens Technicolor’s ability to focus on and expand its flagship creative studios (The Mill, MPC, Mr. X and Mikros Animation) specializing in CGI (including VFX and animation), which is in increasing demand across film, TV, advertising, gaming and live events.
Overall Group Trading
The current performance of Technicolor’s operating businesses is in line with the Group’s expectations. Production Services has been awarded numerous new projects, securing approximately two thirds of its expected 2021 sales pipeline for Film & Episodic Visual Effects, and is in negotiations for several more. Confirmed projects for 2021 include Disney’s live-action adaptations of The Little Mermaid and Pinocchio, and their recently announced The Lion King prequel.
CEO share purchase and new Board Observer
It was previously announced to the market during the financial restructuring process that Richard Moat, CEO of Technicolor, would be buying shares in the company. Richard Moat acquired 585,825 Technicolor shares during December at an average price of €1.83, highlighting his commitment to the future of the Group.
The Board of Directors has appointed Angelo, Gordon & Co., L.P. as a Board Observer, and it will be represented by Julien Farre, Managing Director at Angelo Gordon in London. He joined Angelo Gordon in 2012 and is focused on European corporate special situations and has represented the firm as a board member on a number of, Angelo Gordon investments. Prior to joining Angelo Gordon, Julien was an Executive Director at Goldman Sachs, and previously worked at Bain & Company as an Associate. Julien holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University, and an M.B.A. degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. As of 31 December, Angelo Gordon held above 5% of the share capital and voting rights.
