The bulk of top flight theatrical distribution executives at Universal Pictures International, including distribution head Chris Bailey, are expected to move en masse to ambitious UK distributor Redbus Film Distribution (RFD).

Additionally, the company is understood to be finalising high-profile acquisitions including David Mamet's State And Main following its high-profile pick up of Ben Elton's UK comedy Maybe Baby at Mifed.

The appointments, which come as UPI winds down its theatrical operations, are expected to mark a quantum leap in RFD's ambition to establish itself as a leading UK distributor. RFD is owned by Internet multi-millionaire Cliff Stanford. Neither RFD or Bailey were not immediately available for comment.