Key facts
- Lionsgate Studios is exploring a sale and has attracted takeover interest.
- France's Bollore Group and Banijay Group are among the interested parties.
- Lionsgate has a market value of approximately $3.8 billion.
- A deal is not certain, and Lionsgate could remain independent.
- Previous interested parties have withdrawn due to price expectations.
Lionsgate Studios, the entertainment company behind franchises such as "Hunger Games" and "John Wick," is reportedly exploring a sale and has attracted interest from France's Bollore Group and Banijay Group. The company, with a market value of approximately $3.8 billion, is working with an investment bank to evaluate inbound approaches, though sources caution that a deal is not certain and Lionsgate may remain independent.
Bollore Group's interest stems from a desire to bolster the production capabilities of its controlling stake in pay-TV company Canal+. Banijay Group, known for "Big Brother" and "Survivor," has also considered a bid, although it is currently focused on integrating its recent merger with All3Media.
The interest from European media companies reflects a broader trend of consolidation aimed at building scale and acquiring sought-after intellectual property to compete with global streaming giants. Lionsgate Studios possesses a valuable catalogue of films and television series.
Discussions come as Lionsgate director and shareholder Mark Rachesky transferred his approximately 10% stake into a new investment vehicle backed by RenWave Kore. However, the valuation sought by shareholders could pose a challenge, as two sources indicated that previous interested parties withdrew due to price expectations. Investors are currently paying a premium for Lionsgate shares compared to peers.