MGM titles face financial test

August 16, 2007 The recent global debt market crunch continues to make financing deals more challenging, with a planned $700 million-$1 billion funding for some MGM tentpole releases now facing some headwinds, according to sources. The Financial Times first reported on its Web site late Wednesday that Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank have stepped down from their role as underwriters of the planned MGM slate financing amid the credit woes. The studio has been looking for outside financing for such big titles as The Hobbit, the fourth 'Terminator installment and future Pink Panther and James Bond films, all on the list of movies that the two heavyweight investment banks have been looking to raise funds for.

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