Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman and CEO Michael Lynton says Sony wants to be part of the James Bond franchise once MGM's sale or restructuring is finished, reports BLOOMBERG. Though the studio hasn't had any discussions with potential buyers, they want to distribute future Bond films or even work as a producing partner.

MGM went up for purchase last year when the studio couldn't make payments on its $3.7 million debt. In addition to the lucrative Bond franchise, MGM holds the film rights to THE HOBBIT and a 4,000+ title library.

The bidders for MGM include Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., billionaire Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries, Time Warner Inc. and Liberty Media Corp.

Sony released and co-produced the past two Bond films, CASINO ROYALE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE.