DCM takes over Ascot Elite Entertainment
Ascot Elite Entertainment, the independent market leader, and DCM are setting the course for a shared future. The current owners—Karin G. Dietrich, Ralph S. Dietrich, and Stephan Giger—will transfer 100 percent ownership of their company, which has 23 employees, to DCM as the successor effective March 19, 2026. This ensures that the company’s established market leadership, its well-established national and international network, and its history dating back to 1928 can be guided toward a successful future.
Independent market leader Ascot Elite Entertainment and DCM are setting the course for a joint future. The previous owners Karin G. Dietrich, Ralph S. Dietrich and Stephan Giger have approached DCM: With the four founding partners Dario Suter, Christoph Daniel, Marc Schmidheiny and Joel Brandeis as well as with the managing director Stephanie Candinas, the trio has maintained a collegial relationship from the outset despite the competitive situation of the two companies.
On March 19, 2026, the previous owners will hand over 100% of their company with 23 employees to DCM as their successor. This will ensure that the established market leadership, the consolidated national and international network and the company history dating back to 1928 can be led into a successful future.
Growth strategy in German-speaking countries
With this acquisition, DCM is continuing its growth strategy and further expanding its market position in German-speaking countries as a film production and distribution company. The previous owners will remain with the company as independent producers and on the Board of Directors. The signs are therefore pointing to continuity and a new direction at the same time.
The sales team commented on the merger: "We are very happy to open this new, joint chapter with DCM and to place our life's work in strong hands. Since our first meeting with Dario, Christoph, Marc and Joel at the beginning of the last decade, we have enjoyed an unparalleled relationship characterized by high esteem and mutual trust. This constellation ensures the continuity that is important to us and sets the course for the future."
Mutual trust has grown over twelve years
Joel Brandeis, representing the DCM partners, says: "We have been working successfully with the Ascot Elite team for over twelve years. During this time, a great deal of mutual trust has grown. Together with my partners and our Managing Director of DCM in Switzerland, Stephanie Candinas, I look forward to writing a new chapter in the long-standing success story together with the existing Ascot Elite team."
Stephanie Candinas takes over the management of the company as Delegate of the Board of Directors. Stephan Giger will remain with the company as Co-Managing Director for a transitional phase. In the course of this year, the two companies and the respective teams will be merged and the company will continue to operate under the DCM brand from the given date.
Stephanie Candinas comments: "I am very much looking forward to bringing both teams together and bundling our expertise into a strong joint unit that will take our future acquisitions and film marketing to a new level."
