WARNER BROS. BUYING U.K.’S LEAVESDEN STUDIOS

Warner Bros. announced today (Monday) that it is purchasing Leavesden Studios outside of London for $162 million, with plans to expand its sound stages and create a tour of sets used in the Harry Potter movies. In a statement, Warner Bros. CEO Barry Mayer said, “This is the only big studio we will own outside our home market. … It’s a massive commitment for us to build and equip it at the tail-end of Harry Potter.” He added that the investment “demonstrates our long-term commitment to the skills and creativity of the UK film industry.” Currently about 1,500 people are employed by Leavesden, and an additional 300 persons are expected to be hired to complete construction of two additional sound stages and other facilities on the lot. Construction is expected to be completed in April 2012.