Broadcast Solutions acquires BFE, expanding its lead in European broadcast, media and communications infrastructure

Broadcast Solutions GmbH, a leading systems integrator and provider of innovative solutions for the broadcast media industry, is acquiring BFE Studio und Medien Systeme GmbH. This transaction strengthens Broadcast Solutions’ position as one of Europe’s leading providers of broadcast, media and communications systems, and is specifically expanding its service portfolio to include in-depth expertise in the areas of studio and production technology, media IT, control centre and control room systems, and customised hardware and software development.

As an independent company and an established brand with offices in Mainz and Vienna, BFE will become part of the Broadcast Solutions Group. The existing shareholders, Martin Dempf and Sven Hesselbach, will continue to jointly manage the company as managing directors. Peter Dinkel and Doris Hartl will continue to lead BFE in Vienna as managing directors. Customers and partners will not experience any changes to their points of contact, ongoing projects or services. They can continue to rely on the same level of reliability and continuity as before.

“With the acquisition of BFE, we are consistently pursuing our strategic growth course. In recent years, there has been only minimal overlap between the two companies’ service portfolios, but today they complement each other perfectly in technological terms. Together, we are creating the conditions to support our clients even more comprehensively in the future with the planning, implementation and further development of sophisticated broadcast, media and communications infrastructures,” explains Stefan Breder, Co-CEO of Broadcast Solutions.

The demands placed on technical infrastructure in the media industry are undergoing a fundamental shift. IP-based production platforms, cloud technologies, automation and artificial intelligence are increasing the level of integration in modern systems as well as the complexity of projects. There is a need for technology partners who can cover all phases of a project – from consultancy and development through to system integration, implementation and continuing support – under one roof.

This is precisely where this acquisition comes in. Broadcast Solutions and BFE have complementary areas of expertise. The merger creates an integrated offering that uniquely combines system integration, engineering expertise, vertical integration and long-term service. This enables both companies to expand their ability to provide holistic support to clients in the planning, implementation and further development of complex technology infrastructures.

As one of Europe’s leading system integrators, Broadcast Solutions will bring its extensive experience in the planning and implementing of complex broadcast infrastructures to the partnership. The company is a global leader in the development and construction of outside broadcast (OB) vans and in the manufacture of specialised vehicles. Furthermore, it possesses extensive expertise in IP-based production environments, cloud architectures and large-scale international projects.

BFE complements this portfolio with its many years of experience in the development and implementation of bespoke studio, production and media solutions. It also possesses particular expertise in the areas of media IT, workflow integration, control centre and control room systems, and the development of customised hardware and software solutions.

Going forward, customers will benefit from a significantly expanded portfolio of technologies and solutions, additional engineering and development capacities, and greater implementation capabilities for complex national and international projects. At the same time, the tried-and-tested structures, technological specialisations and close customer support of both companies will be retained.

“Broadcast Solutions is the right partner for BFE to continue our development in the long term. Being part of an internationally successful group of companies opens up additional technological and international opportunities for us. At the same time, our brand, our corporate culture and our close relationship with our customers will remain intact,” says Martin Dempf, Managing Director of BFE Studio und Medien Systeme GmbH.

With this acquisition, Broadcast Solutions is making a targeted investment in expanding its technological expertise and engineering capabilities. Together, the two companies will further develop their innovative strength, particularly in the areas of IP, cloud, software development, automation and AI-supported production workflows. The aim is to play an active role in shaping the digital transformation of the media industry and to support customers in the long term as a high-performing European technology partner.

Enjoying the news? Sign up for the Creative COW Newsletter!

Sign up for the Creative COW newsletter and get weekly updates on industry news, forum highlights, jobs, inspirational tutorials, tips, burning questions, and more! Receive bulletins from the largest, longest-running community dedicated to supporting professionals working in film, video, and audio.

Enter your email address, and your first and last name below!