Netflix inks UK deal with MGM

Video streaming service Netflix has inked a deal with MGM that will give it exclusive rights to the studio’s content in the UK.

Netflix’s UK and Ireland service will launch in early 2012 and the deal with MGM gives it exclusive rights to MGM content in the first pay TV window across TV, online , mobile and tablet devices.

Movie titles in the deal include the upcoming Hobbit features, Zookeeper and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters as well as library titles Capote, Fargo and The Usual Suspects.

Netflix’s only other known UK content deal is with Lionsgate. The company announced the UK launch last month and then said it was feeezing all other international expansion plans until its US business returned to growth.

“We are delighted to be entering the UK and Ireland with a legendary studio like MGM at our side,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix chief content officer. “And we are excited to be extending our relationship with MGM from the US.”

Roma Khanna, MGM’s president television group and digital said “Developing this relationship further will help us bring our films, both old and new, into the homes of our loyal audiences with the great ease Netflix offers customers.”