Kino Lorber purchased MHz Networks. They are the owners and operators of MHz Choice, a subscription streaming platform that allows subscribers to stream international TV shows to North American customers.
Kino Lorber Media Group now owns more than 5,000 titles, 10,000 hours of programming and a lot of prestige and arthouse programming. It marks the largest push into streaming yet for Kino Lorber Media Group, which was established in 2009 following Lorber HT Digital’s acquisition and fusion with Kino International. Although it has always been present in streaming with transactional VOD purveyor Kino Now, and virtual cinema hub Kino Marquee, this deal is quite significant. It has released films such as “The Last of Us” and “The Festival Circuit”. Martin Eden, Bacurau And Taxi.
The terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
Kino Lorber President & CEO Richard Lorber said the sensibilities and business strategy of MHz are a fit with his company. “MHz’s track record of curating best-in-class series from around the world has helped it build one of the most loyal subscriber audiences in streaming,” Lorber said. “At a time when Hollywood mega-streamers are going bigger and broader, we like the idea of going deeper into specialized content to super-serve the most discerning audiences. Our highly curated approach helps us stand out from other streamers, and makes MHz Choice the perfect companion platform for audiences seeking prestige entertainment in an accessible way.”
Frederick Thomas, founder of MHz Networks and CEO, called Kino Lorber “the perfect fit to help take MHz to the next level. Their extensive library of new and classic international films will add an exciting dimension for our current and future subscribers.”
MHz Networks started as an extension for American Public Broadcasting. The initial TV lineup featured international news, documentaries and foreign films. The company was one the first to launch SVOD services MHz Choice in 2015. This service converted existing on-air customers of its international TV programming into a digital subscription base. This service releases series. A French Village, Wallander, Murder In…, Detective Montalbano Beck, and, most recently Paris Police 1900. MHz Choice’s upcoming releases include German kidnapping drama Enemies, Bordeaux-set detective series Mongeville, retro French comedy Cheeky BusinessItalian crime dramas featuring female leads Petra VoicelessThe dark family dramas Waterfront, MHz Choice’s first series from South Africa.
After the acquisition, all staff at Kino Lorber and MHz Networks will be retained. Lance Schwulst, SVP Content Strategy, and Frederick Thomas, CEO of Kino Lorber Media Group will continue to lead MHz Networks.