I usually do not post press releases but this one is too important to ignore:
London & Los Angeles: Alan Berliner and John Selby are pleased to announce the merger of the Berliner group of companies and Rex Features North America operations.
The two companies will work in partnership in the USA bringing a greater range and depth of choice for both companies clients in the USA, the UK and worldwide. Rex will now be investing in the development of production and sales operations on the US East and West coasts.
Rex Features has a long history as the UK sales agency for Berliner Studio, and in recent years this collaboration has become increasingly close and successful. Regarded as one of the worlds leading image sources, Rex has been planning to expand its existing stateside operations while Berliner, a highly respected market leader in event and celebrity portrait photography in the US, was looking for a strong partner to boost its position in the international market.
John Selby, Managing Director of Rex Features, said:
I very much look forward to working even more closely with Alan, Alex and all the staff at Berliner. Our shared business philosophy, combined skills, knowledge and experience will create a synergy which will allow us to deliver an unrivalled service to all our customers.
John Selby will become CEO of the Berliner group. Alan Berliner remains as President, while Alex Berliner will continue to oversee and develop the prestigious assignment and studio side of the business.
Commenting on the merger Alan Berliner said:
Rex is a long-time partner of Berliner and a company so similar in quality and service that a merger seemed very natural. I am very proud to be part of this new relationship which will benefit both clients and employees, and will continue to work towards furthering its success
ENDS
Notes to the editor:
Rex Features
Rex Features is the UKs leading independent photo agency. With nearly 55 years in the business, Rex has made its name internationally as a key source of image and feature content for the worlds media.
Hundreds of freelance photographers and agencies entrust Rex with the task of distributing and selling their work worldwide, and the company has an enviable word-of-mouth reputation for integrity and reliability which is unparalleled in the industry.
Well-known for personalities, news and features, Rex is also strong on travel, business, animal, humour, lifestyle, fashion, historical and stock images – and much more besides.
Berliner group
Founded in Los Angeles by Alan Berliner in 1973, the company has been a major player in event photography for over 35 years. The Berliner group of companies comprises BEImages, a full service syndication agency; Berliner Studio, LAs leading event studio, and Vistalux, a syndication agency for high end celebrity images for the editorial market.
Berliner has built up a priceless celebrity archive and continues to be at the velvet rope at every major showbiz event in Hollywood, Las Vegas and New York (and everywhere in between).
Berliner Studio enjoys an unrivalled reputation in assignment photography. Whether it is a Hollywood premiere, corporate public relations event, awards, fashion or trade show, charity ball or professional portrait session, the agency provides its high-profile clients with the images they need to get into the public eye.
Berliner will continue to operate out of its existing offices in LA, whilst Rex has opened a new production and sales office in Manhattan.
The Rex-Berliner partnership is backed by a network of agencies around the world and a global army of photographers who are always there when the story breaks.
Between them, the two companies provide access to over 4.5 million online images, with over 2500 new pictures added daily. Friendly and knowledgeable researchers are also on hand to help you find the perfect picture in an extensive offline archive comprising over 18 million images.
