A consortium led by James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems will acquire a controlling stake in Tribeca Enterprises from The Madison Square Garden Company, Tribeca Film Festival co-founder Craig Hatkoff and other investors. Lupa has partnered with Attention Capital on the deal. Lupa founder Murdoch and Attention’s CEO and co-founder Joe Marchese will team with Tribeca mainstays/co-founders Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro and Tribeca’s existing management team to support and grow the business.
Tribeca Enterprises’ businesses include the celebrated Tribeca Film Festival, which supports and promotes both emerging and established storytellers to reach the broadest possible audience. Since it was founded in 2001, the Festival has attracted an international audience of more than 5 million attendees. Tribeca continues to expand its reach, both during the Festival and year round, while maintaining its commitment to creating and telling stories with the Tribeca TV Festival and other cultural storytelling events. Tribeca Enterprises also includes Tribeca Studios, a branded entertainment content business.
“We are excited about working with Jane and Bob to help grow the unique Tribeca brand,” said Murdoch, Lupa Systems’ founder. “When Tribeca was founded after 9/11, they brought together a tremendous creative community to embark on mission-driven business with civic impact and support for storytellers at its core. It is a real privilege to partner with this talented team to enhance and grow that mission.”
Tribeca Enterprises CEO and co-founder Rosenthal said, “Our new partnership with James and Joe will bring valuable expertise as Bob and I look to scale and strategically grow Tribeca. James Dolan and The Madison Square Garden Company have been wonderful partners and we look forward to continuing to work with them as their venues host our future festival events.” Rosenthal will continue to lead management and strategic development.
Marchese added, “Iconic brands like Tribeca provide invaluable curation and human connection. This matters even more as consumers place a greater premium on their time and attention. This presents an immense opportunity to develop and scale valuable experiences globally.”
LionTree Advisors acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Tribeca in connection with the transaction. Paul Hastings represented Tribeca and certain of its owners. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher represented Lupa. Attention relied upon Kimelberg PLLC.
