December 9th, Kino International announced their merger with Lorber HT Digital Holdings. Their merger formed the new company Kino Lorber making them the "largest of the small guys". Their union will bring together their libraries of internationally respected films along with some of the most influential silent films. 

Kino also has a theatrical arm of the company that releases new films as well as releases classics that have been restored, such as Metropolis, in addition to handling many Janus titles for theatrical release. Lorber has managed many classic European New Wave titles like La Dolce Vita, Breathless and many important titles, many of which Criterion has acquired for their own prestigious catalog. 

It is too early to say the changes that will come from this, but surely looks like a good pairing as the owners Richard Lorber and Donald Krim team up for stronger buying power of titles as well as releasing high quality DVDs. Lorber in the past has been criticized of some of its executions on DVD, but maybe Kino's higher quality will bleed into the Lorber library. Both companies have a 20+ experience in distribution and this venture may prove a happy marriage. 

 Other references:

The Wrap

The Hollywood Reporter

indiewire

The New York Times

Variety