Lionsgate is rebranding its international streamer Starzplay as Lionsgate+ in 35 countries as it emerged the company is focused on spinning off the studio.
The streamer will remain as Starz in the US and Canada, and as Starzplay Arabia in MENA and Lionsgate Play in South and Southeast Asia.
The Lionsgate+ rebrand will roll out tomorrow (September 29) in countries including the UK, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, Brazil and Argentina.
Lionsgate is in the process of separating Starz and its studio business. After indicating last year it was exploring a potential spin-off of Starz, the company told investors via a Securities Commission filing on Wednesday (September 28) that it is in fact now likely to spin off its studio business rather than Starz.
The studio boasts a 17,000-title library and has been regarded as an attractive potential target for a while, especially given recent M&A activity in Hollywood that has seen Amazon buy MGM and Discovery merge with WarnerMedia.
Jeffrey Hirsch, president and CEO of Starz, said: “Operating under Lionsgate+ internationally brings a distinct and differentiated identity in an increasingly crowded international marketplace and builds on the brand equity in the Lionsgate name that our extensive research has proven is strong around the world. Even with the separation of Starz and the Lionsgate studio business, the Lionsgate brand will continue to be valuable to the ongoing success of our international platform.”
Lionsgate launched the Starz streamer in 2018, and has expanded into 63 countries throughout Asia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, MENA and South and Southeast Asia.
Lionsgate+ originals include thriller Gaslit, drama Señorita 89, sci-fi thriller El Refugio and crime drama Express.
“Our commitment to deliver bold, curated stories where we push boundaries and defy expectations remains the same,” said Superna Kalle, president, international networks for Starz. “We have built strong relationships with our viewers and look forward to continue providing them premium storytelling as Lionsgate+.”
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