Cinelease Acquired by Zello to Boost Entertainment Infrastructure

Deal News | Aug 01, 2025 | American Discovery Capital LLC

Cinelease Acquired by Zello to Boost Entertainment Infrastructure

Zello, a private investment platform, has acquired Cinelease, a leader in lighting and grip rentals, from Herc Rentals. This strategic acquisition supports Zello's overarching goal to advance infrastructure within the film and television production industry. Cinelease, which has served the industry for over 45 years, operates across major hubs in the U.S. and Canada, providing essential production equipment and robust studio management services. Under Zello's ownership, Cinelease will continue to be led by existing industry veterans. Zello, with a focus on long-term value creation in high-growth industries, plans to leverage its operational expertise to enhance Cinelease’s market presence and facilitate disciplined expansion. The acquisition, backed by financial and legal advisors including American Discovery Capital, EY, and Proskauer Rose LLP, aims to align Cinelease more closely with the needs of filmmakers and production crews, fostering innovation and growth within the sector. The acquisition is poised to usher in a new era for both companies, highlighting Cinelease's commitment to reliability, service, and industry leadership.

Sectors

  • Entertainment Infrastructure
  • Private Equity and Investment Management

Geography

  • United States – The article focuses on the U.S. where Cinelease operates across major production hubs and Zello is based.
  • Canada – Cinelease also has operations in major production hubs across Canada, making it a relevant geographic area.

Industry

  • Entertainment Infrastructure – This sector involves the foundational services and equipment necessary for content creation, including lighting, grip rentals, and studio management, which are the focal points of Cinelease's offerings.
  • Private Equity and Investment Management – This industry involves managing pools of investor capital and strategically acquiring businesses to generate returns, exemplified by Zello's acquisition of Cinelease.

Financials

  • Not Disclosed – The acquisition price for Cinelease by Zello was not disclosed in the article.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
ZelloBidding CompanyCompanyA private investment platform focusing on scaling businesses within the entertainment industry.
CineleaseTarget CompanyCompanyA trusted name in production support, offering lighting and grip rentals and studio management services.
Herc RentalsSelling CompanyCompanyPreviously owned Cinelease before selling it to Zello.
Proskauer Rose LLPLegal AdvisorCompanyAdvised Zello as legal counsel during the acquisition.
EYAccounting AdvisorCompanyProvided accounting advisory services to Zello for the acquisition.
American Discovery CapitalFinancial AdvisorCompanyServed as financial advisor to Zello for the transaction.
MidCap FinancialFinancierCompanyProvided financing for the transaction and is owned by Apollo Global Management.
Sidley Austin LLPLegal AdvisorCompanyAdvised Herc Rentals on legal matters regarding the sale of Cinelease.
Goldman SachsFinancial AdvisorCompanyProvided financial advisory services to Herc Rentals for the sale.
Paul Hastings LLPLegal AdvisorCompanyAdvised MidCap Financial on legal matters related to the acquisition.