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B. History of the EBD Film Library
1. Epic Productions
In the late 1980s, through some intermediate steps of
ownership, Credit Lyonnais created Epic Pictures Enterprises
(Epic Pictures) and Epic Productions, Inc. (Epic Productions).
Epic Pictures was created in 1987 or 1988 to take possession of
and manage certain motion picture assets. Epic Productions took
possession of the stock of Epic Pictures and managed that company
after it was created. In 1992, Credit Lyonnais lost confidence
in the existing management of Epic Productions and hired John
Peters to replace that management and serve as its CEO.36 Mr.
Peters worked as Epic Productions’ CEO from 1992 until July 1998.
In late 1993 or early 1994, Credit Lyonnais began acquiring
other entertainment assets, particularly film libraries, from
companies to which Credit Lyonnais had lent money. (When loans
from Credit Lyonnais became distressed, Credit Lyonnais would
acquire the film assets in workouts, bankruptcies, or other
proceedings.) To take possession of, or title to, these film
assets, Credit Lyonnais created approximately six companies,
including Alpha Library Co., Inc. (Alpha) and Epsilon Library
Co., Inc. (Epsilon). After Credit Lyonnais acquired these film
36 As chief executive officer (CEO) at Epic Productions,
John Peters had frequent contact with individuals associated with
Credit Lyonnais, including Hank de Kaiser in Rotterdam, Mr.
Jouannet and Michelle la Brund in Paris, and Bruno Hurstel, who
was a director on Epic Productions’ board.
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