Belgian film studio nWave has joined forces with MZM and Belga Films, among others, to further develop its animation studio, as well as expand its market and brand reach.

As part of the deal Belga and MZM have become majority stakeholders in the company, which was founded by Caroline van Isegham, Ben Stassen and Eric Dillens in Belgium in 1994.

It will also see MZM founder Matthieu Zeller become CEO and co-chairman, a role he will share with nWave co-founder Eric Dillens, while Matthieu Gondinet will become COO. nWave co-founders Caroline van Isegham and Ben Stassen will retain their positions within the company.

Of the changes Zeller said: "nWave and its founders and teams, are an amazing European jewel. They have become an undisputable reference in the worldwide animation market, thanks to the exceptional technical quality of their films and their capacity to produce quality content with an international potential.With the founders and the teams already in place, and the support of our partners, our ambition is to make nWave studios and its productions a worldwide brand, a reference of excellence in family entertainment."

Co-founders Caroline van Isegham, Ben Stassen and Eric Dillens said in a release: "We are very happy to continue the nWave adventure with historical partners of the studio, with whom we have this long experience. This partnership will enable us to continue and develop the studio's activity, to produce more and more ambitious content."

nWave creates short form 3D movies for simulator attractions and theme parks, as well as full-length 3D animated feature films, including The House of Magic, Robinson Crusoe and Fly me to the Moon, grossing more than $300m at the box office, and in recent years has been linked to Franco-British production company Studiocanal.