Since its foundation in 1992, AV MEDIA has built a leading position in the field of audiovisual technology in the Czech Republic and neighbouring countries. Its business consists of two main pillars: AV MEDIA SYSTEMS, which provides the design and integration of complete audiovisual solutions for customers in the education, public administration, cultural and commercial sectors, and AV MEDIA EVENTS, providing complete technology solutions for promoters of conferences, exhibitions, social, cultural and sporting events. Through Brill AV Media, the group has been also successfully developing business activities in Poland. Genesis Private Equity Fund IV, a private equity fund from the Genesis Capital group, will acquire a majority stake in AV MEDIA, while two of the three founders will retain a stake. Also, the key managers of the group will newly become shareholders. The joint intention is to accelerate the growth of the group, either through expansion of the product portfolio or through selected acquisitions in the region. Completion of the transaction is subject to approval by the Czech Antimonopoly Authority and is expected in November 2023.
“We are delighted to join forces with an experienced management team that has managed to build a strong position for AV MEDIA in the Central European region and has a clear vision of where the group should grow. The audiovisual market is indeed benefiting from the wave of digitalization and the growing need for effective communication with the help of diverse technological solutions. This favours specialists such as AV MEDIA, who can find suitable solutions and integrate new technologies with existing ones where appropriate. We believe that in combination with our M&A experience, we will be able to accelerate the growth trajectory together.”, comments Jiří Kolísko, Senior Investment Manager at Genesis Capital Equity.
David Lesch, one of the founders and CEO of AV MEDIA SYSTEMS, said: “In Genesis Capital we have found a strong partner who shares our vision and is able to provide the capital to support our ambitious future plans. The Group’s 30-year history is associated with continuous development and we have also made several successful acquisitions. With the professional support of Genesis Capital, we believe in strengthening of our activities throughout the Central European region. At the same time, I am pleased that continuity in the management team will be assured, and the involvement of key managers will be supported by their equity participation. I am confident that we will seamlessly build on our efforts and results to date.”
Jan Kubinec, CEO of AV MEDIA EVENTS, said: “In order to remain competitive in the rapidly developing European market and to be able to face the challenges coming from abroad, we need to maintain the high quality and flexibility of our services. We see the entry of Genesis Capital not only as an opportunity to leverage our strengths, but I also believe we will create a major regional group, delivering superior services to international blue-chip customers. This will allow us to continue our activities supporting the Czech market and at the same time strengthen our position in the international competition.”
“In the opportunity to invest into the AV MEDIA Group, we have found a clear intersection with the strategy of GPEF IV. Key elements include the fact that the group is a leader in its field and has regional ambitions. It is also the case that the entry of GPEF IV naturally addresses the issue of succession in the company and creates new opportunities for the existing management team. The partnership with the management team and the common goal are key for us”, added Pavel Kvíčala, Legal Partner at Genesis Capital Equity.