Lionsgate buys Mandate for $56.3 mil

September 11, 2007 The deal reunites Vancouver-based Lionsgate with Mandate's Joe Drake, who stepped down six years ago as head of international distribution to launch the indie production and distribution company with partners Nathan Kahane and Brian Goldsmith. Drake is returning to the fold as co-COO and president of Lionsgate's motion picture group, overseeing theatrical production, distribution, marketing, acquisition and international theatrical operations. In addition to producing movies, Mandate has handled international sales and distribution for its own projects as well as for such films from outside production companies as the upcoming "Because I Said So," "White Jazz" and "Sleuth."

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