This refinancing comes in the wake of Lionsgate’s strategic corporate reorganisation of splitting Lionsgate’s studio and STARZ businesses into two independent, publicly traded entities. The STARZ unit, whose primary business is streaming on demand, will list separately on the New York Stock Exchange when the spin-off is completed. That separation prompted Lionsgate to realign its debt profile, leading to the USD1.2 billion refinancing on which we advised.

The separation is designed to unlock incremental value by creating two pure play, standalone companies able to pursue their own strategic, financial and operational priorities and attract investors drawn to the strengths of their respective businesses. Lionsgate becomes one of the world's leading independent publicly-traded content companies, releasing 30 to 40 films a year, including a dozen wide theatrical releases, creating more than 100 shows spanning its scripted and unscripted television businesses, shepherding a portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, managing a 20,000-plus title film and television library, and operating a world-class talent management and production company at 3 Arts Entertainment.

Our team assisted Lionsgate with navigating the international aspects of the deal. Our significant experience in cross-border financing helped facilitate Lionsgate’s global operations throughout the transaction.