Olswang has advised Pathé on a long-term strategic alliance with Twentieth Century Fox. The deal will see Twentieth Century Fox exclusively handle Pathé UK’s theatrical, video and pay television distribution activity.

The new arrangement expands upon Pathé’s existing relationship with Fox, who have been responsible for the film maker’s DVD distribution for the past 15 years. The consolidation of Pathé’s distribution channels will see Fox now responsible for the film company’s theatrical and pay television distribution activity, which was formerly handled by Warner Bros.

Olswang, one of the principal law firms advising within the UK film and television industry, also acted for Pathé when the film company first outsourced its distribution arm in 2009. Olswang worked with Pathé to devise its strategic alliance with Warner Bros. As the deal term for that arrangement came to an end, Olswang once again worked with Pathé to secure the future of its film distribution.

Commenting on the deal Cameron McCracken, Managing Director of Pathé UK, said, “We have enjoyed a positive and fruitful relationship with Warner Bros since we first started working with them in 2009. However, the increasingly complex digital landscape has necessitated the consolidation of our distribution channels and as such, we had to make the tough decision to bring our distribution under the one studio.

“Our long-standing relationship with Olswang enabled them to understand the complexities of the deal and act rapidly to secure this new arrangement. As a result, we look forward to strengthening our existing relationship with Fox and working strategically with them to ensure a successful long-term partnership”.

Victoria Gaskell, who also advised on Pathé’s deal with Warner Bros in 2009, led the Olswang team in this recent transaction with assistance from Rachel Hammond. The deal was completed within a two week period in January and is effective from the beginning of February.