Pathe Distribution hasbeaten off rivals to acquire UK rights to The Business, Nick Love'sfollow-up feature to football hooligan film The Football Factory.

The Business, a gangster flick set in Spain's so-called Costa delCrime during the 80s, was pursued by several distributors after UK productioncompany Vertigo went into principal photography with private backing. Vertigowas considering releasing the film itself until Pathe took it off the table.

Pathe is releasing the filmin the summer, making it Vertigo's second feature to hit UK screens this year.Redbus recently picked up clubland comedy It's All Gone Pete Tong.

The Business stars Football Factory's Danny Dyer, Layer Cake's Tamer Hussan andGeorgina Chapman, whose credits include Bride And Prejudice. Dyeris a young lad on the run from London who is drawn into the ex-pat crime worldof Malaga.

"We are delighted to beworking with Vertigo and to be associated with Nick's exceptional filmmakingtalent," said Francois Ivernel, managing director of Pathe UK.

AllanNiblo and James Richardson produced for Vertigo, with Content FilmInternational handling International sales.

"Pathe immediatelyunderstood the material and recognised the potential of the film," saidRupert Preston, executive producer for Vertigo.