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MGM Officially Considering Selling, If Things Don't Get Better

by Alex Billington
November 14, 2009

Back in September, we reported that MGM (aka Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) was "on the verge of bankruptcy" and was asking for emergency funds to say alive. The studio has finally made announcements that indicate that they are actually going up for sale. Variety and Nikki Finke confirmed the news. "MGM also said today it is beginning a process to explore various strategic alternatives including operating as a standalone entity, forming strategic partnerships and evaluating a potential sale of the Company." It looks like it's the end of an era for MGM once and for all. So will The Hobbit be caught in crossfire, too? We're not entirely sure.

The announcement came following a meeting of MGM debtholders, who agreed to extend forbearance on debt payments until January 31st, the second extension that they've been given. Apparently MGM owes some $3.7 billion in debt and brought in Stephen Cooper to replace Harry Sloan as CEO and attempt to recover the company. It sounds like, despite owning some 4000 titles in their library, Cooper wasn't able to get them on the right track, and has decided to consider a sale instead. From my standpoint, I think that's the best decision they could make, similar to how New Line became a part of Warner Brothers years ago.

The biggest franchises that MGM owns are James Bond and The Hobbit, but we don't know what will happen to either of those if they do sell or partner with another studio. Normally we don't cover this kind of news given all the technicalities surrounding running a business, but we'll do our best to keep you updated!

Explore tags: James Bond, Movie News, Opinions

dave13

wow. The idea of not seeing MGM logo infront of movies is something else. I've been watching that lion roar since I was a kid. wow. -Nostalgic Dave
RogerOThornhill

That should probably read $3.7 Billion instead of $3.7 million.
Sabes

O.o wow
Dan W

This is a sad time for movies
d1rEct

3.7 Billion!?!?!? good lord.
DoomCanoe

Disney is going to buy it and own the movie world!!! (other then the WB and all its sister company's of course)
guh

this just completely blows.
JimD

Studios have not been managing costs for years. I'm sad to see it happen, but it deosnt suprise me either. There is a lot of bloat in the entertainment industry.
David Banner

Noone owes 3 - 7 billion, it has to be 3.7 billion? Sell of James Bond for 4billion and problem solved
Cineprog

This is a sad day for the sale of MGM? what will happen to the cataloge that is own by MGM. The vultures will be on the prawl, it just sad.
Vold

and people say downloading doesn't hurt the industry. Another one bites the dust.
Rachel Replicant

I'D BUY THAT FOR A DOLLAR!!!!!!!