Criterion United

In an $8 million deal, public DVD distributor Image Entertainment (DISK)has acquired 19-year-old Chicago-based publisher-distrib Home Vision Entertainment, bringing the distribution of Criterion Collection titles under one roof, according to Variety (see article).

Backed by an exclusive distribution deal with Criterion through 2010, transaction is a pure consolidation play, with Image anticipating $2 million of cost savings through removal of redundant operational assets.