Lionsgate Canada is a Canadian entertainment company and subsidiary of Lionsgate Studios, headquartered at 134 Peter Street, Toronto, Ontario. The company focuses on the acquisition, production, and distribution of films, television programming, and digital media. Formerly known as Entertainment One (eOne), its history stretches back to 1973 as a Canadian music distributor. Over five decades, the company transformed into a major international media player before being rebranded as Lionsgate Canada in 2024.
Origins and Early Growth (1973–2001)
The company began on June 1, 1973 as Records on Wheels Limited (ROW), founded by brothers Vito and Don Ierullo. Initially a Canadian music distributor, it expanded through its association with the retail chain CD Plus. During this time, Darren Throop, who had operated Urban Sound Exchange in Nova Scotia, joined the company. Under his leadership, ROW became ROW Entertainment in 2001.
Transition to Entertainment One (2005–2010)
In 2005, ROW acquired the U.S. music and entertainment distributor Koch Entertainment, rebranding as the Entertainment One Income Fund. Backed by British investors, the company listed on the London Alternative Investment Market (AIM), positioning itself for international acquisitions.
Through the late 2000s, it bought Seville Pictures, Contender Entertainment Group (UK), and the Dutch distributor RCV Entertainment. In 2008, eOne expanded further by acquiring Blueprint Entertainment, Barna-Alper Productions, and Oasis International, creating a foundation in both scripted and unscripted television.
By 2010, the company streamlined its branding to Entertainment One (eOne), becoming a recognizable name across Canada, the UK, and Europe.
International Expansion (2011–2019)
During the 2010s, eOne accelerated growth:
- 2012 – Acquired Canadian distributor Alliance Films, gaining rights to distribute films from Lionsgate, The Weinstein Company, and CBS Films.
- 2014 – Purchased Phase 4 Films, Paperny Entertainment, and Force Four Entertainment, while also investing in VR studio Secret Location.
- 2015 – Bought into Mark Gordon Company and acquired UK animation studio Astley Baker Davies, producers of Peppa Pig.
- 2016–2018 – Expanded into music with acquisitions such as Dualtone Music Group, Last Gang Records, and Audio Network, while also investing in Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners.
- 2019 – eOne’s revenues topped £941.2 million, cementing its position as one of Canada’s most influential global entertainment companies.
Acquisition by Hasbro (2019–2023)
On December 30, 2019, eOne was acquired by Hasbro for US$4 billion, a move designed to integrate eOne’s production with Hasbro’s toy and children’s IP such as Peppa Pig and PJ Masks.
Under Hasbro, eOne underwent restructuring:
- Its music division was sold to Blackstone in 2021 (now MNRK Music Group).
- Theatrical distribution arms in Canada, UK, Spain, and Australia were shut down by 2023.
- CEO Darren Throop stepped down in late 2022 as Hasbro prepared to divest much of eOne’s film and television business.
Acquisition by Lionsgate (2023–2024)
On August 3, 2023, Hasbro agreed to sell eOne’s film and TV assets to Lionsgate for $500 million. The deal closed on December 27, 2023, bringing the company full circle, as Lionsgate itself originated in Canada.
Following the acquisition:
- eOne Films was absorbed into Lionsgate Films.
- eOne Television merged with Lionsgate Television.
- Unscripted programming was moved to Lionsgate Alternative Television.
By June 2024, the company was officially rebranded as Lionsgate Canada, with Jocelyn Hamilton as president.
Current Role
Today, Lionsgate Canada operates as the Canadian hub of Lionsgate Studios, producing and distributing a wide range of entertainment, including:
- Film Production & Distribution – titles like Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019), The Woman King (2022), Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023), and Arthur the King (2024).
- Television – Canadian and international series across drama, comedy, and reality formats.
- Virtual Reality & Digital Media – through projects from Secret Location, an award-winning VR studio.
The company remains a major player in Canadian film financing, co-production, and international distribution, while benefiting from Lionsgate’s global infrastructure.
Legacy
Over more than five decades, the company evolved from a small Canadian music distributor into a global entertainment powerhouse. Under various identities—ROW, Entertainment One, eOne, and now Lionsgate Canada—it has shaped Canadian media by:
- Supporting Canadian film and TV creators.
- Building international hits like Peppa Pig.
- Partnering with global studios including Universal, Paramount, and CBS Films.
- Sustaining Toronto’s role as a North American production hub.
Today, as Lionsgate Canada, it continues to blend Canadian creativity with Hollywood scale.
