IM Global was launched by founder and CEO, Stuart Ford in April 2007, originally in partnership with German public company Internationalmedia AG, with the intention of building a true globally minded entertainment company at the heart of digital distribution evolution and with a business strategy that married traditional Hollywood financial and creative strengths with an innovative emerging markets focus. IM Global was the 2015 recipient of the Variety Award for Achievement in International Film. In 2016, the company was acquired by Tang Media Partners.