SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 19 (UPI) -- Billionaire investor Carl Icahn said Friday he is initiating a hostile takeover of U.S. film production firm Lions Gate, offering $6 for any outstanding shares.
Last week, Lions Gate Entertainment rejected Icahn's bid to increase his stake in the company. He has already announced a tender offer to increase his holdings from 18.9 percent to 29.9 percent.
He is now moving to take over the entire company in part to stop the firm from trying to acquire Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., The Los Angeles Times reported.
Friday is also the last day MGM is accepting bids.
Six companies made non-binding bids for MGM in January. Binding bids of around $2 billion are expected from Lions Gate, Time Warner Inc., Access Industries and others, ABC News reported.