Knightscove eyes Ellis Entertainment

Canadian distributor Knightscove Media aims to acquire local family-owned TV producer Ellis Entertainment for an undisclosed amount in cash and stock.

The two companies said yesterday that a non-binding letter of intent has been signed and the deal remains subject to negotiations.

Ellis Entertainment was founded in 1964 by Ralph Ellis and owns rights to around 600 family-orientated titles, including a large library of wildlife and nature programming.

“Our stated goal from the beginning has always been to build Knightscove as an international leader in the distribution and creation of family-friendly content,” said Leif Bristow, CEO of Knightscove.

The company acquired DVD distributor Morningstar Entertainment in 2007. The Ellis catalogue is expected to be managed in the North American DVD market by Morningstar.

Morningstar’s current DVD library consists of about 1,200 titles including the original A Christmas Carol, starring Alistair Sim, Swiss Family Robinson and the BBC’s Chronicles of Narnia.

Stephen Ellis, CEO of Ellis Entertainment, said the deal is a “tremendous opportunity to take the company founded in 1964 by my father, Ralph, to the next level and position the group for growth.”