Bavaria Film splits into two businesses after shareholder approval
Bavaria Film, the company behind classics like Das Boot and The NeverEnding Story, is set to split into two separate businesses. The decision follows two years of discussions and has now been approved by shareholders and the supervisory board. The restructuring will create one division focused solely on production, while the other manages the company’s real estate and daily studio operations. Shareholders, including public broadcasters WDR, SWR, MDR, BR, and the Free State of Bavaria, backed the move after reviewing stagnant financial performance. Revenue for 2025 stood at €308 million, with a modest profit of just €8 million.
A broker has already been hired to market the real estate division, with formal sales efforts launching this summer. The 28-hectare site in Geiselgasteig, south of Munich, will remain a media hub, though new investors are being sought for its long-term development.
Julia Reuter, co-managing director, will lead the production arm after the split. She expects the change to bring greater efficiency and a renewed focus on creative projects. The split aims to streamline operations and attract fresh investment. The production division will now operate independently, while the real estate arm seeks outside partners. The company’s historic studio site will continue serving as a key media location under the new structure.
