A Canadian wholesaler of home entertainment products has bought the UK’s largest DVD distributor. Entertainment One made its move into the UK after buying Contender Entertainment for £49.4 million in a cash and share deal.

A Canadian wholesaler of home entertainment products has bought the UK’s largest DVD distributor. Entertainment One made its move into the UK after buying Contender Entertainment for £49.4 million in a cash and share deal.

Contender’s selling shareholders were advised on the legal issues of the disposal by Davenport Lyons, led by partner Jeanette Gregson and associate Paul Toolan with Vincenza Calcara handling the tax aspects of the deal.

Gregson said Contender is a long-standing client of the firm. “Davenport Lyons’ experience in this sector and its relationship with the client definitely gave us the edge in closing this deal.

“The corporate media market is a key area for Davenport Lyons, combining its specialist media skills with extensive corporate finance experience to offer a holistic service to clients.”