A major development in the landscape of theatrical exhibition occurred this week with European exhibitor Kinepolis announcing a deal to acquire 14 theatres of Michigan-based Emagine Entertainment for $105 million. Emagine is the tenth largest U.S. exhibitor, having a total of 28 theatres across Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year, with the possibility of the price tag increasing to as much as $120 million based on box office performance over the next two months.
This acquisition expands Kinepolis’ presence in North America, as they already own the Michigan theatre chain MJR Theatres and Landmark Cinemas in Canada. At this point, Belgium-based Kinepolis is only acquiring the 14 Emagine locations that are directly owned by the Michigan-based exhibitor, with its other 14 locations owned by third parties with a license from Emagine to operate under their brand.
Kinepolis will need to strike separate deals with those third parties to take over those locations. Kinepolis CEO Eddy Duquenne said that the acquisition of Emagine is part of the circuit’s “expansion strategy.” Emagine Chairman & CEO Paul Glanz announced that he was “very happy” with the arrangement, citing Kinepolis’ successful track record in managing theatres across Europe and North America.














