Eversheds advised the Munich-based media company m4e AG in the purchase of 45 percent of the international rights to the children’s TV series and brand “Mia and me”. The rights were acquired from Rainbow S.r.l., the previous co-producer and one of the leading media companies in the children’s entertainment sector. In the course of the purchase Hahn Film AG will take on the remaining 5 percent of the rights from Rainbow S.r.l.’s stock.

The acquisition of the rights was financed through a bank loan and was made effective retroactively from January 1st, 2016.

m4e AG is an internationally active brand management and media company specialised in the children’s and family entertainment sector. “Mia and me” is an internationally acclaimed TV series that is focused on unicorns and elves. The series is produced by Hahn & m4e Productions GmbH, a joint venture between m4e AG and Gerhard Hahn, and is co-produced by the Italian company Rainbow S.r.L. and ZDF German Television Network. The second season of the series was launched in Germany and several other countries in the beginning of 2015. A third season is currently being produced, while a fourth season and a movie are being developed.

The focus of Eversheds’ advice was on the acquisition of all rights of use, exploitation and other IP rights in relation to the TV production as well as various licensing and merchandising contracts, previously concluded between Rainbow S.r.l. and licensees worldwide. The Italian rights are excluded from the transaction and will remain the property of Rainbow S.r.l..

Dr. Tobias Maier, who co-lead the transaction together with Dr. Christian Mense commented:

“Our advice in this transaction was complex not only because of the comprehensive legal questions, but also due to the need of cross-border expertise. The result demonstrates the tremendous capabilities of Eversheds’ global network and I am pleased that we were able to successfully advise m4e in this process together with our colleagues in Munich and Rome.”

50 percent of the international rights to “Mia and me” remain unchanged and are held by Hahn & m4e Productions GmbH, a 50/50 joint venture between m4e AG and Gerhard Hahn/Hahn Film AG. With this transaction, m4e AG has nearly tripled its share in “Mia and me”.

Eversheds legal advisors to m4e: In Munich Dr. Tobias Maier (co-lead, IP/Media), Dr. Christian Mense (co-lead, Corporate/M&A), Dr. Stefan Diemer (Tax), Dr. Christian Hilpert (Corporate), Dr. Michael Reichard (Corporate), Steffen Morawietz (IP/Commercial), in Rom: Beatrice Bigonzi (Partner, IP/Media), Marica Maurella (IP/Media), Silvia Cocozza (IP/Media) Francesco Manzullo (Corporate); in Toronto: Stikeman & Elliott: Dan Murdoch (Corporate), Yannick Katirai (Corporate)

Rainbow S.r.l. was advised by Baker & McKenzie (Munich).