LOS ANGELES, August 5, 2025 – Proskauer advised Zello, a private investment platform focused on scaling exceptional businesses in the broader entertainment industry, on its acquisition of Cinelease, a market leader in lighting and grip rentals, from Herc Rentals (NYSE: HRI).
The transaction marks a defining move in Zello’s strategy to support the infrastructure behind content creation and power the future of global film and television production. Under Zello’s ownership, Cinelease will continue to be led by industry veterans Mark Lamberton, Chris Rogers and Gannon Murphy and will operate as a standalone, privately held company backed by Zello’s experienced team.
With decades of operational expertise across studio management, equipment logistics and production infrastructure, Zello will support Cinelease in deepening its market presence while remaining aligned with the needs of filmmakers and crews. This transition positions Cinelease for disciplined expansion and reinforces its commitment to delivering world-class lighting, grip and studio solutions.
The Proskauer team was led by partner Ben Orlanski (M&A) and partner Philip Kaminski (Finance). It also included associates Stephanie Kim, Jacob Weinberg, Courtney Kim, John Campanella and Kathie Duperval (M&A); partner Steve Weise, special counsel Susan Goldfarb and associates Gloria Kim, Bradley Waldstreicher and Brenna Keane (Finance); partner Rob Shmalo and associates William West and Delfina Corti Maderna (Real Estate); partner Wai Choy and associate Caroline Rimmer (Intellectual Property); partner Robert Friedman and associate Rita Halabi (Tax); partner Aliza Cinamon (Environmental); partner Colleen Hart, senior counsel Katrine Magas and associate Heather Monte (Compensation & Benefits); partner John Ingrassia and associates Timothy Burroughs and Shannon McGowan (Antitrust); partner Nathan Lander (Insurance); and partner Cary Robbins and associate Sabrina Schloss (Private Client Services).
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