Lionsgate, the studio behind the "Hunger Games" films, will acquire cable and satellite network Starz for a combination of cash and stock totaling $4.4 billion, the two companies announced today.
"The transaction significantly increases the combined company’s content- creation capabilities, enhances its leadership in premium scripted programming and scales its global distribution footprint across mobile, broadband, cable and satellite platforms," said a joint statement, adding that the deal "is expected to generate significant revenue and cost synergies."
Lionsgate is headquartered in Santa Monica and Starz, in Englewood, Colorado.
