09/02/2024 - The move marks MUBI’s first acquisition of a distributor and constitutes a significant milestone in the company’s expansion across the European arthouse market

The co-CEOs of Cinéart, Marc Smit (left) and Stephan De Potter (© Cinéart)

This week, the UK's MUBI acquired a majority stake in independent Benelux distributor Cinéart. The deal’s financial details were not disclosed, but the Brussels- and Amsterdam-based firm will keep its team structure and slate, while continuing to work with its current business partners. Meanwhile, co-CEOs Marc Smit and Stephan De Potter will remain significant shareholders. The announcement was first reported by Variety.

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Cinéart was launched in 1975 by Eliane Dubois. Over the years, it has handled the release of hits like Slumdog Millionaire [+see also:
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MUBI and Cinéart recently co-operated on the Benelux region’s release of Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla [+see also:
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“I’ve known and worked with Marc and Stephan for over 15 years, and admire what they’ve done with Cinéart. They are two of the most sophisticated and visionary operators in the business. We are delighted to be partnering with them and the whole team at Cinéart, and can’t wait to bring more great films to audiences in Benelux together,” comments Efe Cakarel, founder and CEO of MUBI.  

“This tie-up will create a formidable force. We strongly believe in MUBI’s vision and integrated business model. In addition to co-acquiring films with MUBI, Cinéart will continue to buy great films itself to distribute in Benelux, just as before,” says Smit.

“We strongly believe in the power of cinema, and finding a partner to share the same passion was key. This new partnership will enable us to continue adapting to an ever-changing world – with the promise of still doing what we do best, and even better,” adds De Potter.

The deal with Cinéart marks MUBI’s first acquisition of a distributor and is part of its tireless expansion across the European arthouse market, which kicked off two years ago with the purchase of leading sales and production outfit The Match Factory.