Who owns Lionsgate Entertainment Corporation? Lionsgate is a publicly traded company, meaning its ownership is divided among numerous shareholders who own its outstanding shares. Those who own shares have a financial stake in the company. The shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol LGF.A for Class A shares and LGF.B for Class B shares. As a result of its public listing, ownership can change frequently as investors buy and sell shares on the stock exchange.
The largest shareholders of Lionsgate typically include institutional investors or groups of investors who hold a significant portion of the company. For instance, major shareholders like BlackRock Inc. and The Vanguard Group play a substantial role in the company’s ownership. Additionally, smaller investors own individual shares. In summary, Lionsgate’s ownership is distributed among various individual and institutional shareholders, who hold stakes through shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
Company History
Lionsgate, officially known as Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation, is a prominent global entertainment company specializing in the production and distribution of films, television series, and digital content. Frank Giustra, a Canadian mining financier and philanthropist, founded the company in 1997. The name “Lionsgate” derives from the iconic Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver, where the company was originally established. Over the years, Lionsgate’s ownership has undergone significant changes through a series of strategic acquisitions, mergers, and investments, shaping the company into a major player in the entertainment industry. 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 known simply as Lionsgate, was founded in 1997 by Frank Giustra. A Canadian businessman, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, Giustra has extensive experience across various industries, especially mining, finance, and entertainment. Born in 1957 in Argentina and raised in Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada, Giustra began his career in finance in the early 1980s. He joined Merrill Lynch as a broker and financier, quickly rising through the ranks. Giustra was later transferred to the corporate finance department, where he specialized in mergers and acquisitions.
In the early 1990s, he started Yorkton Securities, a Canadian brokerage firm focused on natural resource investments, particularly in mining. Through Yorkton, Giustra became a venture capitalist and invested in various mining companies. He also founded several resource businesses, including Wheaton River Minerals (now Goldcorp Inc) and Leagold Mining Corporation.
In 1997, Giustra expanded his interests into the entertainment industry by founding Lionsgate Entertainment Corporation. The company initially focused on acquiring and distributing independent films for the North American market. Lionsgate quickly grew by acquiring film libraries, and distribution companies, and establishing television production and international distribution divisions.
Although Giustra stepped down as chairman in 2003, he remained on the board of directors until 2010. Today, he continues to pursue business ventures, engage in philanthropy, and serve on multiple boards across various industries.
Changing of Lionsgate Ownership
Lionsgate’s ownership evolves as the company grows and changes. Institutional investors like BlackRock Inc. and The Vanguard Group own significant stakes. These investors play a crucial role in shaping the company’s direction. Additionally, smaller investors hold individual shares, allowing more people to have a financial interest.
As a publicly traded company, Lionsgate’s stock price impacts who owns the company. Changes in stock ownership reflect market shifts and investor confidence. Therefore, Lionsgate’s ownership is dynamic, influenced by both institutional and individual shareholders who trade on the New York Stock Exchange.
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!
