Starz CEO Downplays AMC Network Takeover Rumors

By Richard Morgan
September 16, 2015 | 11:03pm
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Chris AlbrechtPhoto: Reuters


Starz’s Chris Albrecht was chief executive of the hour at the Communacopia Conference Wednesday after speculation of a tie-up with Lionsgate was superseded by a Bloomberg report that AMC Networks had resumed takeover talks with Starz.

The report, published late Tuesday, prompted Albrecht to tell attendees, “There’s nothing to announce.” But he added that, given all the talk between potential partners these days, “I’m more amazed more [M&A rumors] don’t come out.”

Albrecht, who’s transforming premium network Starz into an original-programming powerhouse with series such as “Power,” at least pretended to have no urge to merge.

Referring to Lionsgate and AMC, Albrecht said, “We have some things on the front burner with those guys.” He didn’t elaborate on his tease.