Lionsgate, TMG Ink Expanded Output Pact for Summit Pix

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LONDON — Lionsgate has inked an expanded multiyear output pact with Tele Muenchen Group covering the distribution of its Summit label films in Germany and Austria in all media, the two companies announced Thursday.

The deal was negotiated in Berlin and closed in anticipation of the release of Summit’s action adventure film “Divergent” in Germany and Austria on April 10, and will include other tentpole titles such as “The Last Witch Hunter,” starring Vin Diesel, “Gods of Egypt,” director Alex Proyas’ epic re-envisioning of mythical ancient Egypt, as well as the sequel to last year’s global sleeper hit “Now You See Me,” which grossed more than $350 million at the worldwide box office.

“We’re delighted to elevate our long-standing partnership with TMG to the next level, and expand and fortify our relationship with a pipeline loaded with potential franchises and star-driven branded properties,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group co-chairmen Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman.

“Having been an early investor in Lionsgate when Jon Feltheimer and Michael Burns re-launched the company in 1999, I am pleased that our strong and longstanding relationships with both Summit and Lionsgate have now come full circle. We are excited to extend and expand our multifaceted relationship with the entire Lionsgate team,” said TMG chairman Herbert G. Kloiber.

“Lionsgate has emerged as a powerful creative force in the global marketplace, and we look forward to a consistent supply of commercially attractive pictures that we expect to resonate with German-speaking moviegoers for years to come.”

The extension follows six years of TMG-Summit output agreements, which covered “The Twilight Saga” pictures.

Films from the Lionsgate label will continue to be distributed through StudioCanal in Germany.