Influential film producer Ismail Merchant who co-founded Merchant Ivory Films, had died in London at the age of 68.

Merchant and Ivory were best known for making critically acclaimed period films such as 'Howard's End,' 'Remains of the Day' and 'A Room With a View.'

The cause of death was not disclosed but Merchant had been suffering from stomach problems for the past year including recent surgery for abdominal ulcers.

Tributes began pouring in for Merchant shortly after his death was announced Wednesday afternoon.

'What's gone is a major character and a unique film producer -- someone who completely defined independence in the film industry,' film producer Lord Puttnam told the BBC.

Merchant was born in Mumbai, India (formerly Bombay) in 1936. He went to school in New York where he met James Ivory with whom he later formed the longest lasting partnership in independent cinema starting in 1961.

In addition to producing, Merchant also directed films on occasion and wrote several books about cookery.