Industry

Canada's Sphere Media has announced the acquisition of Abacus Media Rights (AMR) from Amcomri Entertainment Inc. The deal, valued at $24.6 million, was made official today and is expected to close by mid-August, pending customary closing conditions.

Sphere Media, in collaboration with Bell Media, Canada’s premier media and entertainment company and a shareholder of Sphere Media, aims to enhance its position in the global market through this acquisition. Once finalized, AMR will operate under the new banner of Sphere Abacus Media Rights, signifying a new chapter in its operations.
Jonathan Ford, Managing Director at AMR, will continue to lead the highly experienced sales and acquisitions teams based in the UK, joining the executive team at Sphere Media under CEO Bruno Dubé. AMR will maintain its focus on serving its existing international client base, investing in, and distributing productions with a renewed emphasis on operational growth.

Robert Price of Amcomri Entertainment Inc. said: “AMR’s collaboration with Sphere Media will bring more scale and power to Abacus’s existing growth plans, creating a dynamic new force on the international stage.”

Jonathan Ford commented on the new developments, “Joining the Sphere Media Group marks a significant step forward in AMR’s evolution. We are excited about the opportunity to work alongside Sphere Media’s distinguished production business and continue our strong partnerships with independent production companies worldwide.”

Bruno Dubé shared his enthusiasm about the acquisition, noting, “Sphere Media is recognized for the quality of its productions both in Canada and internationally. Partnering with Abacus Media Rights aligns perfectly with our strategic goals, enhancing our ability to offer diverse, high-quality content on a global scale.”