French mini-conglomerate MK2 comes to Berlin having recently appointed Jean-Francois Deveau as its new head of acquisitions.

The move signals MK2's ambition to expand its theatrical releasing operations, which have taken a back-seat in the last couple of years as the group developed its exhibition portfolio and branched into DVDs.

Deveau, who will work alongside distribution chief Marc-Antoine Pineau, is an MK2 veteran having worked on the exhibition and booking side until 15 years ago. Since then he has worked at former video giant and all-rights buyer Film Office, at Pyramide Distribution and most recently at video-on-demand operator Le Meilleur Du Cinema.

Deveau will attend the major film markets throughout the year and source top auteur films from around the world. 'There will be nothing off-limits at MK2,' he said.

MK2 already has films including Elephant lined up for release in 2004. It aims to expand the number of theatrical titles to at least a dozen a year.