Xytech Group acquires Auckland Film Studios

Xytech Group has acquired Auckland Film Studios (AFS), a prominent film production facility in New Zealand, for an undisclosed amount. This move aims to bolster Xytech's position in the Asia-Pacific film production sector by expanding its operational footprint in the region. The acquisition establishes AFS as a long-term production hub and enhances Xytech's capacity to cater to multiple international film projects simultaneously.

With this acquisition, Xytech Group strengthens its infrastructure in Auckland, now operating 10 stages across various locations, amounting to over 500,000 square feet of production, workshop, and support space. AFS has a prestigious history in hosting international productions such as Amazon Prime's "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" and Warner Bros.' "A Minecraft Movie." This positions Xytech as one of the largest independent production platforms in the Southern Hemisphere.

The strategic rationale behind the acquisition aligns with the recent changes to the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, which affirms the country’s appeal as a filming destination. The rebate aims to attract major international film and television projects to New Zealand by enhancing the country's screen infrastructure and production capabilities. Xytech’s acquisition of AFS represents an investment in these strengthened propositions, boosting productivity and employment in the local screen sector.

The move occurs amid increased interest in New Zealand's film production potential, driven by confidence in local talent and infrastructure. Xytech's expansion through this acquisition serves to meet the growing demand for scalable and flexible production solutions in the region, offering studios and streamers an attractive alternative base for their operations.

Looking ahead, the acquisition marks a significant step in Xytech's broader strategy to increase capacity and flexibility across its facilities. This will allow it to support overlapping productions and provide a reliable production alternative in the Asia-Pacific market. As the transaction progresses, further integration of AFS into Xytech's operations will be crucial in realizing these strategic objectives.