August 2025
NZZ sells Zurich Film Festival and Frame Cinema
As part of two separate, coordinated transactions, AG für die Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ) is selling the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) and the associated Frame Cinema to new owners with long-term interests.
After ten years of successful development under the umbrella of AG für die Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), the cultural festival Zurich Film Festival (ZFF), which was held for the first time in 2005, has been taken over by a group of owners led by Festival Director Dr. Christian Jungen. The sale will take place in July 2025 as part of a management buyout. In addition to Jungen, the new group of owners also includes Deputy Director Reta Guetg, entrepreneur Max Loong, former ZFF President Felix E. Müller and financial expert Marek Skreta.
The consortium of owners brings expertise in the areas of festival operations, media, events and financing. The combination of many years of festival experience and new impulses creates the ideal conditions for the next stage of growth – with the aim of positioning the ZFF as a leading European film event.
KINOKONI takes over operation of the ZFF cinema Frame
Cinema Frame AG, which is part of the festival brand, will be taken over and operated by KINOKONI AG under the management of Konrad Schibli as of July. The concept combines curated film offerings with gastronomy and an enhanced visitor experience. The cooperation with the ZFF will continue – the Frame will remain an integral part of the festival infrastructure. KINOKONI already operates two successful cinemas in Olten and Basel.
About the Zurich Film Festival
The Zurich Film Festival was founded in 2005 and has quickly established itself as a major international film event. Highlights include the awarding of the Golden Eye in various categories, high-caliber premieres and the presence of numerous international stars and filmmakers. It attracts up to 140,000 visitors every year and offers a platform for exchange between filmmakers and the public. The festival emphasizes the discovery of new talent and the promotion of independent film.
More information: www.zff.com
Role of Ramus & Company
Ramus & Company comprehensively advised the AG für die NZZ on the sale of the ZFF Group as part of a structured M&A process. The mandate included the development of a sustainable ownership model, the identification and selection of suitable partners and the implementation of the transaction. With the successful conclusion of the transaction, a locally anchored succession solution was realised that opens new strategic options for ZFF.