US arthouse distributor Kino Lorber has acquired MHz Networks, parent of streamer MHz Choice, a North American SVOD service that screens international television series.
With the acquisition, Kino Lorber Media Group will have more than 10,000 hours of international series and films under license, the company said.
MHz Networks CEO Frederick Thomas and senior vice president of content strategy Lance Schwulst will continue to lead MHz Networks within Kino Lorber Media Group.
MHz Networks was an early entrant into the boutique streaming market, launching MHz Choice in 2015. The service has screened series including Wallander, Detective Montalbano and Paris Police 1900. Upcoming releases include German drama Enemies, French detective series Mongeville and the family drama Waterfront, the service’s first series from South Africa.
Kino Lorber, formed through the 2009 merger of Kino International and Lorber HT Digital, is known for its home video library and theatrical releases of arthouse films. In 2019 the company launched TVOD service Kino Now and in 2021 free channel Kino Cult.
Kino Lorber president and CEO Richard Lorber commented: “MHz’s track record of curating best-in-class series from around the world has helped it build one of the most loyal subscriber audiences in streaming. At a time when Hollywood mega-streamers are going bigger and broader, we like the idea of going deeper into specialised content to super-serve the most discerning audiences. Our highly curated approach helps us stand out from other streamers, and makes MHz Choice the perfect companion platform for audiences seeking prestige entertainment in an accessible way.”
MHz Networks’ Thomas added: “Kino Lorber is the perfect fit to help take MHz to the next level. Their extensive library of new and classic international films will add an exciting dimension for our current and future subscribers.”
No comments yet