Columbia TriStar FilmDistributors International has changed its name to Sony Pictures ReleasingInternational (SPRI), effective immediately.

The name change will beimplemented in most territories around the world immediately, but not in thoseterritories where Sony operates in joint ventures with other distributors.

"The Sony name is oneof the most recognised and respected brand names in the world," JeffBlake, vice-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and president of worldwidemarketing and distribution for the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, saidin a statement.

"With this change, we arereinforcing the Sony Pictures Entertainment name around the world and extendingthe goodwill of a brand that is synonymous with quality and excellence."

SPRI is enjoying its secondbest year ever at the international box office, with approximately $1.1bn inreceipts to date. The company record is $1.3bn in 2002.

The 2005 and 2006 releaseslate includes Hitch starringWill Smith; Fun With Dick And Janestarring Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni; Bewitched starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell; Stealth starring Josh Lucas and Jamie Foxx; Memoirs Of AGeisha directed by Rob Marshall; TheLegend Of Zorro, starring Catherine Zeta Jones and Antonio Banderas;The DaVinci Code and XXX:State Of The Union, among others.