Summit Entertainment has reclaimed the 5% stake it sold to Artisan Entertainment in 1998 as part of the two companies' initial international distribution agreement.

The companies last month renewed their five year agreement from 2003 to 2005 kicking off with Marvel Studios' actioner The Punisher starring Thomas Jane and John Travolta, and as part of the agreement Summit negotiated back the Artisan stake.

Summit created a joint sales and distribution venture I/S Film Distribution with Intermedia earlier this year but remains 100% independent. Neither Artisan and Summit would comment on the separation.