The Weinstein Company hasextended its output deal with MPD, a notch in the favour of the Canadiandistributor as it tussles with its former chairman Victory Loewy and former CEOPatrice Theroux. Given that the agreement had another three years to run - thetermination date was December 31, 2009 Ð the extension by one year - toDecember 31, 2010 - is a very public gestur from Harvey and Bob Weinstein forMPD's new managing director Jim Sherry.

In a statementthe Weinsteins said, "Alliance Atlantis continues to be the bestdistributor for our product in Canada. We are extremely impressed by the teamwhich consistently delivers exceptional results, and outperforms its naturalmarket share. There is no other partner in Canada that can handle our films aseffectively."

Sherry, a former executiveat Miramax under the Weinsteins, as well as at New Line under Bob Shaye, wasappointed in the wake of the departures of Loewy and Theroux. The deal was negotiated by Sherry and Weinstein Co. CFOLarry Madden.

In a statement, John Bailey,the new CEO of MPD, said "It is gratifying forMPD to extend on our long-standing relationship with the exceptionally talentedWeinstein Company. Both Bob and Harvey's impressive track record, which beganat Miramax and Dimension Films, has seamlessly continued at The WeinsteinCompany by delivering top quality films and commercial successes."