Hollywood star Will Smith and Marc Forster have teamed up to acquire Telepool GmbH, a German licensing and distribution company, according to a report in Variety.
As part of the transaction, the company will become a development, financing, and distribution partner for Smith and Forster’s films.
“Marc and I took a close look at Telepool and discovered a company that has an incredible reputation and a lot of potent,” said Smith in a statement. “We look forward to working together and with the Telepool team to create unique opportunities and content to strategically.”
The attainment was carried out through the Smith Family Circle, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Family Office, Elysian Fields and a group of investors associated with Forster.
Besides, the deal also gives the actor and director a foothold on home entertainment and theatrical distribution deals in major overseas markets.
Similarly, 2dux², an independent production entity run by Forster and producer Renee Wolfe, will also have the option to develop and distribute film and television projects through Telepool but remain independent.
Telepool, founded in 1963, is one of Europe’s oldest, and largest, film licensing groups. Set up by German regional pubcasters BR, SWR, and MDR together with the Swiss Broadcaster Corp., it has focused mainly on licensing U.S. films and TV series for distribution in German-speaking Europe
Smith is one of the most famous stars in the world, with a list of movies including “Suicide Squad,” “Bright,” and “Bad Boys.” Forster is the director of “Quantum of Solace,” “Finding Neverland,” and “World War Z.”
