Mo Claridge,CEO of UK home video company AnchorBay Entertainment, passed away on Christmas Day at age 54. The cause of deathwas heart failure.

Claridge joined Anchor Bay four years ago when itacquired Digital Entertainment Ltd., thehome video company he founded. He led Anchor Bayinto theatrical distribution in the past two years.

"He had been involved inthe home entertainment industry throughout its entire 25 year history, from thechaotic early days of rental home video to the current sophisticated retailmarketplace - always demonstrating his expertise in acquisition, sales,packaging and marketing and consistently leading new innovations," Anchor Baysaid in a company statement.

The company added,"Although his death is a great tragedy for the company and its staff, ongoingbusiness will not be affected and its US parent company isexpected to announce plans in the near future."

Anchor Bay's library includes TVseries such as Roseanne and 21 Jump Street,and films including 7 Days in September, Fitzcarraldo, The Man Who Fell toEarth, and The Lavender Hill Mob.