ARRI Sells Claypaky to EK Inc
In a significant move within the entertainment and motion picture industries, ARRI has announced its decision to sell its subsidiary, Claypaky, to EK Inc., a prominent player in the entertainment lighting market. The agreement was signed recently, with the transaction expected to close in the coming months, pending customary regulatory approvals.
This sale marks a strategic shift for ARRI, which stated that it intends to focus more strongly on its core business in motion picture and broadcast technology. According to ARRI Managing Director Chris Richter, this decision is part of a strategic realignment. ARRI’s core offerings include cinema cameras, lenses, broadcast lighting, and virtual production systems. The company is looking to concentrate on what it is best known for: high-end cinema technology solutions, particularly at a time when traditional filmmaking production faces economic pressure.
Claypaky, an Italian company founded in 1976, is a world-renowned brand recognized globally for its high-end professional entertainment lighting products. Their product range includes moving head fixtures, color changers, and theatrical lighting, used in various sectors like theater, television, live events, and theme parks. Claypaky also includes the theatrical sub-brand ADB, which it acquired in 2016. ADB Lighting is a historic theatrical and film lighting brand established in 1920.
ARRI had acquired Claypaky from ams OSRAM in late 2022, aiming to expand its footprint into the live entertainment sector and offer comprehensive lighting solutions across both cinematic and live event markets. However, this partnership was relatively short-lived, lasting just over two years before ARRI decided on the divestment. This move follows Claypaky’s recent ownership history, which saw it acquired by OSRAM in 2014, then become part of ams OSRAM in 2020 before the sale to ARRI.
The new owner, EK Inc., is described as an established manufacturer in the entertainment lighting industry with advanced production and development facilities. EK Inc. is based in China. Raymond Chen, CEO of EK Inc., stated that the acquisition of Claypaky and ADB is a strategic investment that significantly enriches EK’s portfolio. EK views Claypaky as a strong strategic fit to expand its global footprint, particularly in Europe. Chen also highlighted that Claypaky’s Italian design legacy, combined with EK’s manufacturing and R&D capacity, positions them well to shape the future of entertainment lighting globally. EK Inc. operates one of the most advanced lighting production and development facilities in the industry.
Claypaky will retain its headquarters in Seriate, Italy, along with its local R&D and operations teams. The companies involved stated that this ensures continuity in innovation and product development. While integration details are still being finalized, EK’s global infrastructure is expected to enable greater scalability and reach for Claypaky.
This acquisition highlights the commitment of all three parties—ARRI, Claypaky, and EK Inc.—to their primary markets, with a renewed focus on innovation, operational excellence, adaptability, and long-term resilience. ARRI concentrates on its established leadership in filmmaking tools, while EK Inc. gains a globally recognized brand to strengthen its position in the entertainment lighting sector, providing Claypaky with a partner focused on driving future growth.
Artistic Controls once work closely with ADB Lighting [before Claypaky acquisition] to promote the Lighting Console and fixtures in Malaysia. The brand ADB and Claypaky is synonym with large project scale in Theater, Television, Studio and Entertainment Lighting industry.
Source of the news
Claypaky joins forces with EK Inc. to drive future growth
EK Acquires Full Ownership of Claypaky