US Private Equity Firm Acquires Leading UK Screen Rights Licensing Company

Great Hill Partners snaps up majority stake in Sussex-based MPLC, boosting media rights sector investment

Deal Overview: Great Hill Partners Takes Control of MPLC

In a significant move for the global media rights sector, US-based private equity firm Great Hill Partners has acquired a controlling stake in the Motion Picture Licensing Company (MPLC), a leading British firm specialising in public performance licensing.

• The transaction is reportedly worth several hundred million pounds.
• MPLC was partially owned by private equity firm Tenzing since 2019.
• Tenzing will retain a minority interest following the deal.

This acquisition marks a notable expansion of Great Hill Partners’ presence in the global entertainment and media licensing industry.

Who Are MPLC and What Do They Do?

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Sussex, MPLC is recognised as the world’s largest provider of public performance licences for audio-visual content. The firm ensures that businesses, schools, and other venues can legally show movies and TV shows from major content owners.

• MPLC offers blanket licences covering thousands of titles.
• Rights-holders include Disney, MGM (owned by Amazon), Marvel Studios, DreamWorks, NBCUniversal and CNN.
• Licences apply to public settings like offices, hospitality venues, transport hubs and educational institutions.

This streamlined solution helps organisations remain fully compliant with copyright laws while avoiding complex licensing negotiations with individual content owners.

Why the Deal Matters: Strategic Implications

The deal reflects growing investor interest in intellectual property (IP) and recurring revenue businesses tied to digital content rights.

• Great Hill’s investment signals confidence in MPLC’s global growth potential.
• Media and content IP has become an increasingly valuable asset class, particularly in a streaming-driven world.
• MPLC’s recurring income from institutional licensing makes it attractive in a volatile market.

Tenzing’s Continued Involvement

Tenzing, the UK private equity firm that first invested in MPLC in 2019, has agreed to roll over part of its stake, remaining involved in MPLC’s next phase.

• Tenzing’s ongoing support suggests confidence in MPLC’s long-term strategy.
• The continued partnership may provide operational continuity as the business expands.

Advisers and Background

• Investment bank Guggenheim Securities advised on the sale.
• MPLC has grown significantly since its founding in 2004, expanding operations globally.
• The company operates in over 40 countries, helping enforce copyright laws and protect creative rights.

Market Impact and Industry Outlook

The acquisition highlights a broader trend of private equity flowing into the digital licensing and content management space. As copyright enforcement becomes more critical and complex in an age of content abundance, companies like MPLC are well-positioned to benefit.

• Investors are betting on long-term growth in compliance-based media services.
• With streaming content being used in more public and commercial spaces, demand for MPLC’s services is likely to increase.
• MPLC’s scalable model could pave the way for further international expansion under Great Hill’s ownership.

Conclusion

This acquisition of MPLC by Great Hill Partners not only reshapes the British screen rights licensing landscape but also underlines the increasing global value of intellectual property and legal content compliance. With major backers and strong demand drivers, MPLC appears well-poised for continued growth in the UK and beyond.

Sources: (SKYMoney.com, Reuters.com)