eOne Acquires Australian Indie Distributor

TORONTO/LONDON/SYDNEY: Entertainment One (eOne) has made its first acquisition in the Australian market, with the independent feature-film distributor Hopscotch.

Hopscotch is a film distribution business for Australia and New Zealand, focused on independent international titles as well as local Australian content. In 2010, the company released 15 titles theatrically, with a library of more than 300 feature films and TV titles. Recent releases include The Wrestler, with Mickey Rourke; The Kids Are All Right, Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Barney’s Version. The group’s release slate for 2011 includes Incendies and Beginners. On May 5, Hopscotch will release the U.S. box-office success Source Code, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, into the Australian market.

Hopscotch’s current management team, led by Troy Lum, Frank Cox and Sandie Don, will remain in place following completion of the deal. The acquisition is expected to close on or around May 4.  “This deal enables Hopscotch to flourish as part of a larger international group. It’s clear that eOne has successfully built a unique multi-territory film distribution operation that we are thrilled to become a part of,” said Troy Lum, the managing director of Hopscotch.

Hopscotch, based in Sydney, will be part of eOne’s Filmed Entertainment division, which is headed by Patrice Theroux. “Troy, Frank, Sandie and the Hopscotch team have built a world-renowned, highly-successful and dynamic business,” said Theroux. "This acquisition allows us to follow our plan to enter new markets at the highest level. We will continue to look at other opportunities to drive eOne’s expansion with a focus on growing the territories where we already have operations."