RLJ Entertainment and AMC Networks Form Strategic Partnership for Streaming Services
Bob Johnson, Founder and Chairman of RLJ Entertainment, and Josh Sapan, President and CEO of AMC Networks, Strongly Commit to Bringing Consumers More Diverse, High-Quality Content to SVOD Streaming Channels and Independent Film Distribution
SILVER SPRING, MD and NEW YORK, NY(17 Oct 2016)
RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE), the entertainment content distribution company which owns and operates Acorn TV, the premier streaming service for British mystery and drama, and UMC (Urban Movie Channel), the first urban-focused subscription streaming service, has formed a strategic partnership with AMC Networks (NASDAQ: AMCX), the company behind several of the most recognized brands and shows in entertainment, including AMC, BBC AMERICA, WE tv (a leading network for African American audiences), SundanceTV, AMC Networks International, IFC, and IFC Films. The announcement was made by RLJ Entertainment Chairman Bob Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), and AMC Networks President and CEO Josh Sapan.
The partnership builds on each company’s long track-record of successfully developing high-quality content for targeted audiences and capitalizing on new technology and changing viewing habits to make that content available to consumers.
As part of the agreement, AMC Networks has invested $65 million in the form of loans to RLJ Entertainment to refinance the company’s existing senior credit facility, add working capital, reduce the cost of capital through lower interest rates, and provide revised covenants that will allow for increased operational flexibility. In addition, AMC Networks has received warrants which, if exercised, would provide AMC Networks with at least 50.1% of the outstanding RLJ Entertainment common stock on a fully diluted basis.
AMC Networks’ support and investment will accelerate the distribution and development of diverse content and independent films from RLJ Entertainment across multiple platforms, including its direct-to-consumer streaming video-on-demand channels: Acorn TV is the premier SVOD destination for world-class British television, with more than 370,000 paying monthly subscribers (which has grown by 92 percent since December 31, 2015) and a deep library that includes thousands of hours of programming, including exclusive, award-winning content.
UMC is quickly becoming a leading destination for African American and urban viewers, with a rapidly growing fan base seeking diversity of creative voices.
By aligning Acorn TV and UMC with AMC Networks and its channels and film business – most notably BBC AMERICA, WE tv and IFC Films, which serve similar audiences -- Acorn TV and UMC will have the potential to cross-promote, develop and distribute content ultimately reaching even more viewers of high-quality British television dramas, urban content, and independent film.
Commenting on the new partnership and investment by AMC Networks, Mr. Johnson stated, “I am both delighted and excited that RLJ Entertainment is joining with the AMC Networks family to help capitalize on the opportunities that exist to provide consumers with more diverse content across multiple platforms. RLJ Entertainment has a leading position, through Acorn TV with British television programming, and through UMC with quality urban-focused content, and independent films that we will be able to further develop and grow with the capital and support of AMC Networks.”
Johnson continued: “Josh Sapan, who I am proud to call a friend and whom I’ve known for more than 20 years, is a visionary CEO and an absolute advocate for producing and delivering to audiences of all interests the best in quality and award-winning entertainment. As founder of RLJ Entertainment, I look forward to the future of this new chapter in our business and entering into a relationship with one of the most dynamic and creative content companies in the entertainment industry.”
“We have deep respect for Bob Johnson and the many businesses he’s built, from BET to Acorn TV and UMC” said Josh Sapan, President and CEO of AMC Networks. “Bob is a talented entrepreneur with a real understanding of the power of strong brands and a proven ability to identify and provide premium content to a wide range of audiences by tapping into the demand for content that uniquely fits their specific consumer interests. Much like the early days of cable, and AMC Networks’ own history of providing quality programming to targeted audiences, RLJ Entertainment’s Acorn TV and UMC appeal to consumers with quality programming that represents diverse voices. Our investment is a strategic opportunity to provide capital and additional resources to RLJ Entertainment as they continue to explore their many opportunities for growth, and while we consider the many potentially powerful synergies with our innovative partners at the BBC, and our own WE tv network.”
The RLJ Entertainment board of directors unanimously approved the transaction and the transaction was closed after receiving the approval of RLJ Entertainment stockholders on October 14, 2016.
About AMC Networks Inc.
Dedicated to producing quality programming and content for more than 30 years, AMC Networks Inc. owns and operates several of the most popular and award-winning brands in cable television. AMC, IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, and IFC Films produce and deliver distinctive, compelling and culturally relevant content that engages audiences across multiple platforms. The Company also operates BBC America through a joint venture with BBC Worldwide. In addition, the Company operates AMC Networks International, its global division. For more information, please visit www.amcnetworks.com.
About RLJ Entertainment
RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) is an entertainment content distribution company in primarily North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia. RLJ Entertainment’s titles are distributed in multiple formats including broadcast television (including satellite and cable), theatrical and non-theatrical, DVD, Blu-Ray, digital download, and digital streaming.
With its popular OTT branded channels, Acorn TV (British TV) and UMC (Urban Movie Channel), RLJ Entertainment targets distinct, premium audiences and Urban niche audiences. The company grows its proprietary digital channels through development, acquisition, and distribution of exclusive rights of program franchises and feature film content.
Through Acorn Media Enterprises, its UK development arm, RLJE owns all rights to the hit UK mystery series Foyle’s War and is developing new programs. RLJE owns 64% of Agatha Christie Limited, which manages the intellectual property and publishing rights to some of the greatest works of mystery fiction, including stories of the iconic sleuths Miss Marple and Poirot.