Global podcast giant Acast has acquired Wake Word Studios, an audio and video production house based in Munich and Berlin. Wake Word gives up its indie identity in the deal, rebranding as Acast Creative Studios.
Acast has been operating in Germany since 2019, and this acquisition strengthens its position there. The company also emphasizes what it calls the Acast Creative Studios proposition.
The scale of content acquisition is meaningful: Acast absorbs Wake Word’s entire portfolio, where we count 116 podcasts. (Acast’s public release observes 150 shows).
The deal is more than an acquisition of existing content. Acast will establish what it calls “a set of world-class audio and visual podcast studios” in Munich. That will accelerate new-show creation and portfolio expansion, and the facilities will also become what Acast calls “a hub for German podcasters.”
On the revenue side, Wake Word’s property includes a media planning platform called Podius. It will continue as a stand-alone resource.
Acast estimates the German podcast market revenue at nearly 79 million euros this year. “As podcasting evolves across audio, video and social channels, the demand for sophisticated omnichannel advertising campaigns is growing rapidly in the region, mirroring trends seen globally,” Acast says.
“The acquisition of Wake Word Studios is a decisive move that solidifies Acast’s leadership position in the vital German podcast market,” said Acast CEO Greg Glenday. “Our combined focus is clear: to accelerate monetization for German-language creators and offer brands unparalleled access to premium, highly engaged local audiences, driving innovation across the entire German podcasting landscape.”
Acast is a public company, and the PR observes “The acquisition is not expected to have a material impact on Acast’s financial position or short-term financial results.” It’s more about strategic value and long-term growth in Germany, the company says.
The deal will be closed next week.