Business Briefs: Lions Gate, Jakks Pacific, Sony Pictures Digital

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& #8226; Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.

on Tuesday said it acquired British film distributor Redbus Film Distribution Ltd. for about $35 million in cash and stock. The Santa Monica-based entertainment production and distribution studio also acquired Redbus’ library of over 130 films, including the popular movie “Bend It Like Beckham.” Redbus cofounder Franks, distribution president Zygi Kamasa and head of theatrical distribution Chris Bailey will continue to run the company’s day-to-day UK operations. Lions Gate said the acquisition gives it the ability to self-distribute its motion pictures in the UK.



& #8226; Jakks Pacific Inc.

signed a licensing agreement with Marvel Enterprises Inc. to develop and market pet products based on Marvel characters. The dog and cat accessories, pet food and pet tents are expected to ship to retailers nationwide next spring. Jakks currently has the rights to produce Plug It In & Play TV Games and other products based on Marvel properties, but the new agreement also includes characters such as Spider-Man, X-Men, Hulk and Fantastic Four, the Malibu-based company said in a statement.


On Monday, Jakks signed a similar licensing agreement with Van Nuys-based MGA Entertainment Inc. to develop pet products based on MGA’s popular Bratz property. The products will arrive in stores in 2006.



& #8226; Sony Pictures Digital

signed a multi-year agreement with San Mateo-based mobile game developer Kayak Interactive to publish and market wireless games based on Sony Pictures Entertainment properties. The first two games in development will be based on the upcoming Columbia Pictures film “The Da Vinci Code,” and will be available around the release of the film on May 19. Culver City-based Sony Pictures Digital didn’t release financial details about the agreement.

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