Ringier sells AIO shares
Ringier is selling its shares in the AIO Group to the majority shareholder, DEAG. As a result, Ringier no longer holds a stake in Good News Productions, but will retain the Moon & Stars Festival in Locarno and focus on the Energy Group’s events going forward.
Ringier sold its 48 percent stake in AIO to DEAG (Deutsche Entertainment AG, previously 52 percent) on December 18, 2013. This does not affect the Moon & Stars Festival in Locarno in Ticino, which will now be managed directly by Ringier Entertainment in Zurich. The clear strategic orientation of the AIO Group will be additionally supported by the new shareholder structure and fast decision-making channels, according to a statement. DEAG will continue to manage AIO's activities in Switzerland as sole shareholder. Gérard Jenni will continue to manage the business as CEO of the AIO Group.
In addition to Good News Productions, AIO will then also include the concert promoter Starclick Entertainment, EM Event Marketing, the production planning company Fortissimo and Venue Consulting. A total of 25 people are employed. 15 of them work at Good News Productions, which was founded in 1970 and organizes around 100 events a year with a total of 800'000 visitors. In the entertainment sector, Ringier will focus on the events of the Energy Group from 2014. On the one hand, on the previous events such as Energy Stars For Free, Energy Movie Night, the Energy Live Sessions and the Energy Fashion Night. New plans for 2014 include a major summer open air and an indoor music event in the style of Energy Stars For Free in western Switzerland. Also planned for 2014 is an expansion of the Energy Live Sessions. From 2015, another event highlight with a charity character will be added.
Michael Voss, COO Ringier and Managing Director of the Ringier Entertainment division: "I am pleased that Ringier and DEAG will each have an even more focused presence in the Swiss market in the future. Ringier can concentrate on the successful Moon & Stars festival and the expansion of Energy events in the area of live events. In addition, DEAG and Ringier will of course remain partners in various activities in the future."
