EXCLUSIVE: Blue Fox Entertainment Canada has inked a deal to acquire the assets of Unobstructed View Inc. and its U.S. sister company Unobstructed View LLC in a move that expands its distribution footprint across North America.
The announcement was made Wednesday by Blue Fox Canada’s president David Hudakoc and EVP Ian Goggins during the American Film Market. Unobstructed View’s founder and operator Jonathan Gross “has created a company that embodies the essence of strong partnerships, streamlined operations, and a highly skilled team – all driven by a genuine passion for entertainment,” they said today.
Gross will exit the business after a transition period to focus on production projects.
Unobstructed View was launched in 1993 by Gross, a former rock critic credited with breaking standout acts like Tom Green. He spearheaded successful releases like the Don Cherry’s Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Hockey compilations and the hit Canadian TV series Corner Gas. Gross expanded a hold on the physical media market in Canada by securing distribution rights to key labels including Criterion, Kino Lorber, PBS and Arrow.
UV launched its own direct-to-consumer website in 2017, and has grown its digital footprint in Canada and the U.S.
Financial terms were not announced.
The deal comes at a time of growth for the James Hunstman-founded and -led Blue Fox, which recently created an umbrella company for its various businesses and acquired control of its financing arm, closing a new fund in the eight-figures that will be directed in part to acquisitions in the distribution space.