Knightscove to Acquire Ellis Entertainment

TORONTO: The Canadian entertainment firm Knightscove Media Corp. has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to acquire the distributor Ellis Entertainment, adding some 600 titles to its existing library.

Knightscove specializes in the creation and financing of live-action, family-friendly feature films and TV productions under the Knightscove Family Films brand. It also owns the Canadian home-entertainment distributor Morningstar. With the Ellis Entertainment acquisition, it gains control of approximately 600 titles, including a large portfolio of wildlife and nature fare. "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, Knightscove’s president and CEO. "Having Ellis Entertainment and Stephen Ellis become part of this shared vision will demonstrate to the industry and our shareholders our commitment to growth through strategic business combinations. We believe that the synergies by working from the same offices will increase profitability and provide new and enhanced opportunities to increase overall revenues. We will also be better positioned to grow further through additional strategic acquisitions."

"This represents a tremendous opportunity to take the company founded in 1964 by my father, Ralph, to the next level and position the group for growth," added Stephen Ellis, the president and CEO of Ellis Entertainment. "We’re very pleased to have found a vision of the future in common with Knightscove, matched by unparalleled strategic benefits."