Asacha Media Group has acquired a majority stake in factual indie Arrow International Media.

Arrow was founded in 2011 by Tom Brisley, John Smithson, and Iain Pelling and has become the UK’s “largest independent supplier of true crime programming.” Arrow annually delivers over 100 hours across genres that also include history, nature, adventure, science. Arrow’s recent slate includes “See No Evil” and “American Monster” for Investigation Discovery, “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” for National Geographic and Disney+ and “Seven Days on Mars” for the BBC.

Tom Brisley and Iain Pelling will continue to lead Arrow as Co-Managing Directors, while John Smithson has chosen to step back from the company. He will deliver his current productions and then work independently, with Arrow and Asacha having a first look deal on new projects.

The acquisition of Arrow has been financed with a mix of equity provided by the existing shareholders and debt financing provided by Tikehau Capital.

As part of Asacha, Arrow will pursue further growth in the UK and US, while expanding into new markets and exploring international co-production opportunities with other factual producers within the pan-European group.

In line with Asacha’s previous acquisitions and partnership structure, Tom Brisley and Iain Pelling will retain a minority stake in Arrow, while Brisley also becomes a shareholder in Asacha alongside the founders of the business and other managers of Asacha’s production companies, who also reinvested in the Group.

Gaspard de Chavagnac and Marina Williams, Asacha’s co-CEOs, said: “Arrow’s market- leading position in the fast-growing factual space, along with their strong leadership and ambitious plans for the future, make them an ideal fit for Asacha. Bringing them into our Group makes us a major player in English language factual across key markets including the US and UK. Our focus will be accelerating Arrow’s growth and extending their reach into new territories as they build on their reputation for world-class series and features that captivate global audiences. “

Tom Brisley, Co-Managing Director, Arrow, said: “Asacha is one of the hottest groups in the TV industry. They are dynamic and fleet of foot, with excellent relationships across Europe, a market we would love to explore further, as well as having huge international ambitions. With the same culture and high-quality delivery as Arrow, the access they give us into new markets makes them the perfect partner. Becoming part of an independent group allows Arrow the freedom to continue to work for anyone, anywhere and everywhere. We are thrilled to be joining forces with Asacha. They match our ambitions and our understanding of Arrow’s global potential.”

Iain Pelling, Co-Managing Director, Arrow, adds: “Our commitment to working with the best talent and storytellers remains. Asacha will empower us to grow and develop clients in new territories faster than ever before.”

Since launching in April 2020 with majority stakes in Italian production houses, Picomedia and Stand By Me, and French production company Mintee Studio, the Paris- headquartered Asacha has taken controlling stakes in UK factual producer WAG Entertainment, drama producer Red Planet Pictures, French scripted studios Kabo Family and French producer Srab Films.