Amazon acquired the film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, commonly known as MGM, for $8.45 billion.
Amazon announced the planned purchase on May 26, 2021, but the transaction closed on March 17, 2022, after regulatory approvals. MGM brought Amazon a century-old Hollywood library, major franchises, television properties, production capabilities, and control of the James Bond franchise in partnership with Eon Productions.
MGM’s history reaches back to 1924, when Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was formed through a merger involving Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Pictures. Its famous lion logo and classic film library made it one of Hollywood’s best-known studios. The company later experienced financial trouble, entered bankruptcy protection in 2010, and was reorganized before the Amazon deal.
The acquisition did not instantly turn every MGM title into an Amazon Prime Video exclusive. Amazon initially said MGM would continue operating as a label alongside Amazon Studios and Prime Video. In 2023, Amazon Studios was rebranded Amazon MGM Studios, reflecting the deeper integration of the studio and its library.