Who owns Lionsgate Entertainment Corporation? Lionsgate is a publicly traded company, which means its ownership is distributed among a large number of shareholders who own its outstanding shares. Anyone who owns these shares has a stake in the company. Lionsgate’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol LGF.A (Class A shares) and LGF.B (Class B shares).As a publicly traded company, its ownership may change hands frequently as investors buy and sell shares on the stock exchange.
The largest shareholders, typically an institutional investor or a group of investors, own a more significant portion of the company. For example, as of now, some of the largest shareholders include investment management firms like BlackRock Inc., The Vanguard Group, and smaller investors who own individual shares.In summary, Lionsgate is owned by numerous individual and institutional shareholders who have a stake in the company through the ownership of its stocks traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Company History
Lionsgate, officially known as Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation, is a leading global entertainment company that specializes in the production and distribution of films, television series, and digital content. The company was founded in 1997 by Frank Giustra, a Canadian mining financier and philanthropist. The name “Lionsgate” comes from the iconic Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver, where the company was originally established. Over time, the ownership of Lionsgate has evolved considerably through a series of strategic acquisitions, mergers, and investments. Here’s a summary of the key changes in the company’s ownership history:
1. Early Years (1997–2003):
Lionsgate was initially a small production company with limited resources. During this period, the primary shareholders were Canadian financiers and entrepreneurs, including founder Frank Giustra.
2. Acquisition of Artisan Entertainment (2003):
This deal was a significant milestone for Lionsgate as it acquired the film and home video library of Artisan Entertainment, which considerably expanded the company’s assets and market reach. The ownership structure also changed, with the new investors joining the company.
3. Acquisition of Trimark Holdings (2000) and Summit Entertainment (2010):
In 2000, Lionsgate acquired Trimark Holdings, and in 2010, it merged with Summit Entertainment, the company behind the successful Twilight film franchise. These acquisitions further diversified shareholders and boosted Lionsgate’s prominence in the entertainment industry.
4. Investment by Liberty Media Corporation (2005):
John Malone, the chairman of Liberty Media Corporation, bought a significant stake in Lionsgate through Liberty Media. This move brought Lionsgate additional financial support and strengthened their market position.
5. Starz Acquisition (2016):
In a major deal worth approximately $4.4 billion, Lionsgate acquired Starz, a premium cable network and global media company. This strategic acquisition diversified Lionsgate’s portfolio and created a more competitive global content platform. The deal also involved a change in ownership structure, with new shareholders from Starz joining the fold.
6. Public Trading:
In addition to these major acquisitions and mergers, the ownership of Lionsgate has also evolved as the company’s shares are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol LGF.A and LGF.B. This means individual and institutional investors can buy shares, leading to a continually changing ownership landscape over time. In conclusion, since its founding in 1997, Lionsgate has grown into a global entertainment powerhouse through a series of strategic acquisitions, mergers, and investments.
The company’s ownership has evolved from being primarily held by Canadian financiers and entrepreneurs to a diversified mix of shareholders, including key media corporations like Liberty Media and individual investors who own shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Who was the original founder?
Lionsgate Entertainment Corporation, now Lionsgate, was founded by Frank Giustra in 1997. Frank Giustra is a Canadian businessman, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, who has significant experience in many industries, particularly mining, finance, and entertainment. Giustra was born in 1957 in Argentina and grew up in Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada. He started his career in finance in the early 1980s, joining Merrill Lynch as a broker and financier.
He rose in the ranks of the company and was eventually transferred to the corporate finance department, specializing in mergers and acquisitions. In the early 1990s, Giustra started Yorkton Securities, a Canadian brokerage firm that focused on natural resources investments, particularly in the mining industry. Through his involvement with Yorkton, Giustra became a venture capitalist, investing in various mining companies and founding several resource businesses, including Wheaton River Minerals (now Goldcorp Inc) and Leagold Mining Corporation. In 1997, Giustra ventured into the entertainment industry by founding Lionsgate Entertainment Corporation.
The company’s initial business strategy was to acquire and distribute independent films for the North American market. Lionsgate quickly expanded through strategic acquisitions of film libraries, distribution companies, and establishing television production and international distribution divisions. Frank Giustra stepped down as chairman of Lionsgate in 2003 but remained on the board of directors until 2010. Today, he continues to be involved in various business ventures, philanthropy, and holds multiple board positions across different industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the primary owners of Lionsgate?
Lionsgate is a publicly traded company, and its ownership is dispersed among various institutional investors, individual shareholders, and the company’s executive management. Some notable investors include Mark Rachesky, founder and president of MHR Fund Management, and Liberty Global, a British-American multinational telecommunications company.
When was Lionsgate founded?
Lionsgate was founded in 1997 by Frank Giustra, a Canadian businessman, and investor.
What type of company is Lionsgate?
Lionsgate is an entertainment company that mainly focuses on film production, television series production, and distribution. Its subsidiaries include Summit Entertainment, Starz, Pantelion Films, and Debmar-Mercury, among others.
What are some popular movies and TV shows produced by Lionsgate?
Lionsgate has produced several successful movies, including the Hunger Games, Twilight, Saw, and John Wick franchises. In addition, it has produced hit TV shows like Mad Men, Orange Is the New Black, and Nashville.
What is their stock ticker symbol, and where are they traded?
Lionsgate trades under the stock ticker symbol LGF.A and LGF.B on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Sources for More Information
- Lionsgate Official Website
- Macrotrends – Lionsgate Stock Price History
- Investopedia – Lionsgate
- Forbes – Lions Gate Entertainment
Featured image provided by Denise Jans; Unsplash; Thanks!
