Spain's Vertice creates new distributor

Spain's film and TV company Vertice 360 will merge its two distribs, Notro and Manga, to create Vertice Cine. Jesus Prieto Sacristan, a former Sogepaq finance director who serves as Vertice 360 managing director for film, has been tapped CEO of the new outfit.

Vertice Cine plans to release 15-18 theatrical films a year, including its own productions and co-productions plus upscale acquisitions with strong B.O. prospects, Prieto said.

"A single distribution house will offer strong management and product, through the consolidation of catalogs and staff," Prieto said.

The merger ushers in a move toward more mainstream buys, as Notro handled arthouse and niche fare.

At the American Film Market, Vertice bought romantic comedy "The Baster," which stars Jennifer Aniston, from Mandate Intl.

Other recent acquisitions include Rodrigo Garcia's "Mother and Child," bought from WestendFilms; Massy Tadjedin's Keira Knightley starrer "Last Night," which is sold by Gaumont; and Peter Webber's "Wuthering Heights," sold by HanWay Films. It has also acquired Aniston romancer "Love Happens," directed by Brandon Camp.

Vertice Cine's first release will be Spain's foreign-language Oscar contender, Fernando Trueba's "The Dancer and the Thief," which bows Nov. 27.