Starz, Lionsgate merger resurfaces

Hit Starz series Outlander

Speculation is mounting that US paynet Starz and independent studio Lionsgate could finally be set to conclude a long-rumoured merger.

Both companies’ share prices spiked yesterday after Bloomberg reported that the pair’s courtship had elevated to the stage of “advanced talks.”

Canadian-American firm Lionsgate, which is behind series including Mad Men and also has operations in the UK, was among the US media stocks to take a tumble last week after British voters chose to leave the European Union. The New York Post reported that the surprise ‘Brexit’ decision had in fact derailed any such merger plan.

Starz this week signed CEO Chris Albrecht to a new contract, keeping him at the Outlander and Black Sails outlet till at least 2020.