Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. is in final discussions to acquire Mandate Pictures, a production and foreign sales company based in Beverly Hills, for more than $40 million.
Mandate was one of the producers of such movies as "The Grudge" and the upcoming "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium."
It will continue to operate out of its Beverly Hills office selling movie projects to other studios and international rights to foreign territories. Chief Executive Joe Drake is expected to be named head of Lions Gate's film and international divisions while continuing to oversee Mandate.
