Lionsgate Shares Surge Amid Reports ‘Hunger Games’ Studio Is Courting Euro Buyers

Lionsgate shares jumped more than 9% following reports that the Hunger Games studio is courting interest from buyers in Europe.

High on the $1 billion box office smash that was Michael, Reuters reported that Lionsgate has been working with an investment bank to assess potential suitors. Lionsgate declined to comment.

Banijay, which closed a deal with All3Media only last week, is reportedly among the chasing pack. Variety reported that Mediawan is also interested.

Reuters reported that Bollore, the French media giant behind Canal+, was a potential suitor, but Variety said the company would not be bidding for Lionsgate.

Banijay, Mediawan, and Bollore were approached for comment.

Lionsgate shares climbed to a high of $14.79 following the reports. At the time of publication, the studio’s share price was $14.07, giving it a market value of more than $4 billion.

Sources told Reuters that a deal ⁠is not certain, and Lionsgate could yet remain independent.

The speculation, which comes amid seismic industry consolidation, follows rumors that Netflix was eyeing Lionsgate. The streamer denied any interest.

Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer has previously acknowledged the studio lacks scale compared to Hollywood majors.