Transforming EMG Gravity in the TV and Media Industry
“In today’s world, I think what people are looking for is a consulting firm that can go from strategy to detail, to industry experts, to execution, and then show me the money.”
How we helped
The Challenge: Merging two entities and creating a new operating model
EMG Gravity is a leading global broadcast media solutions provider. For over 35 years, the company has been facilitating the largest international events and greatest sporting moments from around the world. EMG Gravity’s experts capture the live action, emotions, and experiences from each event and deliver exceptional content to audiences worldwide. Marquee sporting clients and events include UEFA EURO, the Paris Olympics, Wimbledon, and the Tour de France.
In early 2024, EMG and Gravity Media announced that they were merging, creating EMG Gravity, a company with more than 100 mobile production units and flypacks, as well as 40 studios and production facilities across Europe, the Middle East, U.S., and Australia. The combined business had 30 offices across 12 countries, with a total of 2,000 permanent employees and access to a global network of freelancers.
When embarking on the merger, EMG Gravity needed a clear integration plan to bring the best of the combined business to customers, to unify the teams under one brand and culture, and to realise integration synergies. The management team and investors engaged AlixPartners to guide them through the process.
The AlixPartners approach
AlixPartners was chosen for the firm’s comprehensive approach that combined strategic thinking, industry expertise, and execution capabilities. Working alongside EMG Gravity’s leadership team, the initial focus was on defining the new target operating model and detailing the integration and synergy plan across multiple areas including organisation, Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), asset utilisation, procurement, and technology. AlixPartners was also responsible for setting up and managing the Integration Management Office (IMO) alongside the Chief Transformation Officer.
Once the integration plan was in full swing, EMG Gravity asked AlixPartners to continue to coordinate the IMO and provide implementation support on sales and operations planning (S&OP) including:
- Development of a playbook and implementation roadmap to improve gross margin through better pricing, asset utilization and greater control over external freelancer and cross-hire spend; and
- Programme management of S&OP data delivery and system integration, supported by development of a proof-of-concept S&OP application.
AlixPartners also provided implementation support on the complex reorganization of the UK business where there were significant operational overlaps.
Achievements and benefits
The collaboration with AlixPartners has delivered substantial value to EMG Gravity. The key benefits, described by former CEO Shaun Gregory, include:
- Improved financial performance: The strategic initiatives and operational improvements implemented with AlixPartners' guidance have contributed to revenue uplift and enhanced EBITDA performance.
- A new operating model: EMG Gravity emerged as an integrated business on a transformation journey, which will enable them to deliver their new strategic objectives.
“Partnering with AlixPartners proved instrumental in driving the transformation of EMG Gravity. The team delivered an end-to-end approach, enabling outcomes that have supported EMG Gravity in achieving its strategic objectives, strengthening its market position, and laying a solid foundation for future growth.”
