The Gate Films Announces MBO Acquisition

The Gate Films, a commercial production company based in Manchester, has been acquired in a management buyout (MBO), which will see the existing owners bought out by the current management team.

Serena Fylan, 30, will become Managing Director of the company, following the sale of the business from owners Sarah Jarvis and Simon Lewis after 20 years at the helm.

Serena first became involved with The Gate Films when she undertook work experience while applying for University. She then went to study at Bournemouth University, and joined the company three years ago as Head of Production.

Serena said: "This is an exciting time for The Gate as our sustained creative growth has allowed us to attract great scripts from many new and established agencies across the UK and Ireland. Creating and delivering inspiring and award-winning content has been the core of our business for twenty years and now under my stewardship we aim to do more than ever before. My focus is very much about finding great directors and film makers to be able to offer a great range of talent to the agencies and their brands, who we work with across the UK. We have the breadth of expertise and flexibility that means we are equally at home producing a five-day international shoot as we are making table-top content in a small studio. In a time of buoyancy for our sector, I feel Manchester is becoming a new hub for creatives to operate. We are working with more North West business year on year and I hope to continue to showcase what creative and directing talent lies in our city."

Simon Lewis, Outgoing CEO, added: "Serena has the right drive, ambition, dedication and talent to continue to push The Gate on its exciting journey which was started twenty years ago by Sarah and I. Alongside the rest of the management team, Serena will ensure the way in which the company operates and the high level of service its agencies receive will remain the same, and the level of talent available to those agencies will continue to grow. The MBO was the correct route for the business, and most importantly the team, who have been a huge part of this company's incredible growth and success."

The Gate Films will be moving to new premises in central Manchester and launching a new website.

"With the company under new control it is important to make a statement of intent and we feel that by moving from the groups HQ into our own independent space we can focus solely on pushing our own offering forwards. We're excited about the launch of our new website which will include some exciting new talent," Serena added.

Image: Serena Fylan.

www.thegatefilms.com

(JP)