Having launched itself into the U.S. movie distribution business, Entertainment One (eOne) has its first major acquisition: Studiocanal’s $25 million Afghanistan combat thriller Special Forces by director Stephane Rybojad.

The French producer has been shopping the Diane Kruger-starrer about a controversial French journalist who is abducted by a renegade Taliban leader and starts a manhunt by an elite unit sent to rescue her.

eOne acquired the U.S. distribution rights in all media in English, French and Spanish, and plans a spring 2012 theatrical release.

The purchase follows David Reckziegel being promoted to president of eOne Films North America in August 2011, as the Canadian producer/distributor indicated it will start releasing movies theatrically south of the border.

eOne plans to release 12 to 15 arthouse pictures, indie genre films and feature documentaries each year into the U.S. market, with limited platform releases for most titles.