Radial Entertainment Formed Through Shout! Studios and FilmRise Merger
Deal News | Jul 01, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision Radial Entertainment
In a strategic move orchestrated by Oaktree Capital Management, FilmRise and Shout! Studios, two independent film and TV distribution companies, have been merged to form Radial Entertainment. This newly formed entity aims to leverage the strengths of its predecessors to establish a formidable player in film and television content distribution. Radial Entertainment, now boasting one of the largest independent libraries with over 70,000 titles, seeks to become the distributor of choice by capitalizing on the complementary capabilities of FilmRise and Shout! Studios. FilmRise brings expertise in digital streaming and a strong catalog of television and non-scripted content, while Shout! Studios offers depth in streaming, theatrical, and physical distribution, with a library rich in cult classics and award-winning films. Led by Garson Foos as CEO and Danny Fisher as Executive Chairman, Radial plans to pursue an aggressive growth trajectory, supported by Oaktree's willingness to expand through organic means and M&A activities. The merger has been backed by advisors including Salem Partners and Guggenheim Securities, ensuring that Radial Entertainment is poised for success in the rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape.
Sectors
- Media & Entertainment
- Private Equity
Geography
- United States – Both FilmRise and Shout! Studios are based in the United States (New York and California, respectively). Oaktree Capital, the managing firm, is also a global company with a significant presence in the U.S.
Industry
- Media & Entertainment – The article is centered around the merger of two significant entertainment companies, FilmRise and Shout! Studios, focusing on content distribution, production, and streaming services.
- Private Equity – Oaktree Capital Management, a private equity and investment management firm, played a crucial role in orchestrating this merger and supports the merged entity's growth strategies.
Financials
- 70,000 – Number of movies and episodes in Radial's combined library.
- $203 billion – Assets under management by Oaktree Capital Management as of March 31, 2025.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radial Entertainment | Target Company | Company | A new global entertainment company formed from the merger of FilmRise and Shout! Studios. |
| Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. | Bidding Company/Buyer | Company | A global investment management firm that orchestrated the merger between FilmRise and Shout! Studios. |
| Shout! Studios | Selling Company | Company | An independent film and TV distribution company, previously part of Oaktree's portfolio. |
| FilmRise | Selling Company | Company | A leading independent digital streaming content distributor. |
| Garson Foos | CEO | Person | CEO and Co-founder of Shout! Studios, appointed CEO of Radial Entertainment. |
| Danny Fisher | Executive Chairman | Person | CEO and Co-founder of FilmRise, appointed Executive Chairman of Radial Entertainment. |
| Salem Partners | Financial and Investment Banking Advisor | Company | Served as the exclusive financial advisor to Oaktree and Shout! Studios. |
| Guggenheim Securities | Financial and Investment Banking Advisor | Company | Served as the exclusive financial advisor to FilmRise. |
| Greenberg Traurig | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advisory services to Shout! Studios. |
| Manatt, Phelps & Phillips | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advisory services to FilmRise. |