Who Owns Lionsgate Entertainment? A Comprehensive Look at Ownership, Structure, and Recent Changes

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Who Owns Lionsgate Entertainment? The Current Structure

As of May 2025, Lionsgate Entertainment has completed a major corporate restructuring, splitting into two independent, publicly traded companies: Lionsgate Studios Corp. and Starz Entertainment Corp. [2] [3] This separation was approved by an overwhelming majority of shareholders, with over 99% of both classes of shareholders who voted supporting the move. [2] [3]

The Separation: What Happened and Why?

The separation process was designed to unlock shareholder value by creating two pure-play companies, each able to pursue its own strategic, financial, and operational priorities. [1] Historically, Lionsgate operated as a combined entity with both a major motion picture and television studio and the Starz premium streaming and cable network. However, market analysis suggested that the blended structure might have been suppressing the value of the high-performing studio division. [1]

The separation involved several coordinated transactions:

Initial Share Exchange: Holders of Lionsgate’s Class A and Class B shares received shares in both new companies. [1]
Second Share Exchange: Shareholders then exchanged their initial allocations for shares in the new standalone companies. [1]
Reverse Stock Split: Starz common shares underwent a 15-to-1 reverse stock split to consolidate its capital structure. [1]
Corporate Renaming: Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. became Starz Entertainment Corp., and the new studio entity was named Lionsgate Studios Corp. [1]

This split ensures that shareholders retain economic interests in both the studio and the media network businesses, reflecting the intrinsic value of each. [1]

Current Ownership Structure

With the separation complete, there is no single owner of Lionsgate Entertainment in the traditional sense. Instead, ownership is distributed among the public shareholders of Lionsgate Studios Corp. and Starz Entertainment Corp. Both companies are now independently listed on the New York Stock Exchange, with Lionsgate Studios trading under the ticker symbol LION. [2] [3]

The former dual-class share structure of Lionsgate has been collapsed into a single class of stock for each new company, simplifying the ownership landscape and making both entities more attractive to a broader range of investors. [2] [3]

Strategic Rationale Behind the Split

The separation was driven by several strategic objectives:

Clearer Strategic Focus: Each company can now concentrate on its core competencies without the constraints of a blended corporate structure. [1]
Operational Efficiency: Independent operations reduce internal competition for resources and streamline decision-making. [1]
Unlocking Hidden Value: Analysts and investors had long argued that the studio assets were undervalued when combined with the slower-growth Starz business. [1]
Optimized Capital Structures: Each company can now manage its capital according to its own risk profile and growth strategy. [1]
Enhanced Partnership Opportunities: Both companies are free to pursue partnerships and strategic investments independently, without concerns about cross-business conflicts. [1]

What This Means for Investors

Investors now hold shares in two distinct businesses:

Lionsgate Studios Corp.: A premier content producer, licensing films and television series globally. It focuses on tentpole franchises, increased production output, and international expansion. [1]
Starz Entertainment Corp.: A premium streaming and cable distribution company emphasizing original content and bundling strategies. [1]

This split gives investors flexibility to adjust their holdings based on their outlook for content production versus subscription-driven media. It also positions both companies as more attractive acquisition targets due to their now distinct operations and simplified balance sheets. [1]

How to Track Ownership and Investment Opportunities

If you’re interested in the ownership structure or considering an investment in either Lionsgate Studios Corp. or Starz Entertainment Corp., here’s how you can stay informed and take action:

For Current Shareholders

Existing shareholders received shares in both new companies as part of the separation. You can monitor your holdings through your brokerage account and review official shareholder communications from both Lionsgate Studios Corp. and Starz Entertainment Corp.

For Prospective Investors

Both companies are now publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Lionsgate Studios Corp. trades under the ticker symbol LION. Starz Entertainment Corp.’s ticker symbol can be found by searching major financial news outlets or your brokerage platform.

To make an informed investment decision:

Review the latest financial reports and investor presentations on the official Lionsgate investor relations website.
Consult with a financial advisor to understand the risks and opportunities associated with investing in media and entertainment companies.
Stay updated on industry trends and company news through reputable financial and entertainment news sources.

Accessing Official Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official Lionsgate investor relations website. This site provides access to press releases, SEC filings, and detailed information about the separation and the new corporate structures. [2]

Potential Challenges and Considerations

While the separation offers clear benefits, there are also potential challenges:

Market Volatility: Spin-offs can lead to short-term volatility as the market assesses the value of each new entity.
Operational Transition: Separating two large businesses involves complex logistical and operational changes that could impact performance in the near term.
Competitive Pressures: Both companies now face increased competition as standalone entities in their respective markets.

Investors should carefully consider these factors and monitor company performance and industry trends closely.

Future Outlook

The separation positions both Lionsgate Studios Corp. and Starz Entertainment Corp. for focused growth. Lionsgate Studios can leverage its strong content pipeline and global distribution network, while Starz can concentrate on expanding its subscriber base and original programming. [1]

This strategic move could also make both companies more attractive partners for mergers, acquisitions, or strategic alliances in the rapidly evolving media landscape.

Takeaway for Business and Industry Observers

The split of Lionsgate Entertainment into two independent, publicly traded companies marks a significant shift in the entertainment industry. It reflects broader trends toward specialization and the unlocking of shareholder value through corporate restructuring. For investors, analysts, and industry professionals, understanding the new ownership structure is essential for making informed decisions and staying ahead in a competitive market.

References

[1] TradingCalendar (2025). Lionsgate Finalizes Strategic Separation of Lionsgate Studios and Starz. Detailed overview of the separation process, rationale, and implications for shareholders.

[2] Lionsgate Investor Relations (2025). Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. Separates its Studio and STARZ Businesses into Two Independent, Publicly-Traded Companies. Official press release confirming the completion of the separation and new trading details.

[3] PR Newswire (2025). Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. Separates its Studio and STARZ Businesses into Two Independent, Publicly-Traded Companies. Additional details on the separation and its strategic rationale.