Having just completed a UK share placement to raise acquisition funds, Entertainment One has bought the Australian distributor Hopscotch.
The indie Australian and New Zealand market distributor will be added to the Canadian distributor’s international distribution network, which now includes beyond Canada the UK, the US, Benelux, Germany, France, Scandinavia, and South Africa.
Senior Hopscotch management Troy Lum, Frank Cox and Sandie Don will remain in place following completion of the deal, expected in early May, subject to closing conditions.
“This acquisition is another momentous step forward in building our multi-territory content ownership and distribution infrastructure,” said Darren Throop, president and CEO at Entertainment One, in a statement.
The acquisition follows Entertainment One recently completing a share issue to raise around $25 million.
The British-listed producer said it would use the proceeds from the share placement to pay for potential acquisitions with a mix of cash and shares.
Hopscotch, which was founded in 2002, released 15 titles theatrically last year and controls a library of more than 300 feature films and TV titles.
Recent movie releases include The Wrestler, The Kids Are All Right, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Mao’s Last Dancer and Barney’s Version. Upcoming releases include Denis Villeneuve’s Incendies (pictured).