Lionsgate is in 'advanced' talks to acquire Starz

Lionsgate

Bloomberg reports that Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. — usually just "Lionsgate" — is in "advanced" talks to buy the premium-cable network Starz.

The studio is behind the "Hunger Games" movie franchise, but has also produced a number of television shows, including "Orange Is the New Black," "Mad Men," and "Casual" on Hulu. Owning a television network would give Lionsgate a natural home for its programming.

The potential deal would value Starz at $30 per share and could be announced in the next few days, according to Bloomberg's sources.

The two have apparently been close to a deal for months now.

Starz, long known for showing movies, has had a number of recent breakout original series, including "Outlander" and "The Girlfriend Experience."

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