FGvW advises CuriosityStream on Strategic Partnership with German Pay-TV-Channel SPIEGEL TV

The US video-on-demand provider CuriosityStream Inc. is expanding its activities in Europe. The streaming platform specialising in documentary content is forming with its operating entity Curiosity Inc. a joint venture with SPIEGEL TV GmbH and Autentic GmbH, which have been jointly operating the two German pay-TV channels Spiegel Geschichte and Spiegel TV Wissen for about ten years.

The cooperation and the resulting strengthening of its market position in Europe are "a milestone for CuriosityStream, demonstratig our commitment to expanding globally through strategic distribution partnerships", said Clint Stinchcomb, President and CEO.

The newly formed joint venture plans to expand the offering of the Spiegel TV Wissen channel, which is expected to broadcast also under the Curiosity brand in the future. The signing took place on 30 June 2021; the closing of the transaction is still pending.

CuriosityStream was advised on the joint venture by a cross-office team from Friedrich Graf von Westphalen & Partner led by Frankfurt based partner Dr. Annette Bödeker.

CuriosityStream, founded in 2015 by John Hendricks and headquartered in Silver Spring (USA), is a leading provider of non-fiction documentaries and series in the fields of natural sciences, technology, history, society and lifestyle. The programme portfolio includes original formats by famous scientists such as Stephen Hwaking or Richard Dawkins. The streaming service has around 20 million subscribers.

Advisors CuriosityStream Inc.
Dr. Annette Bödeker, Partner (Lead, Corporate/M&A, Investment Control, Frankfurt)
Dr. Alexander Hartmann, Partner (Investment Control, Berlin)
Dr. Barbara Mayer, Partner (Merger Control, Freiburg)
Dr. Christian Koehler, Senior Associate (Corporate/M&A, Berlin)
Daniel Rombach, Associate (Merger Control, Freiburg)

Contact: