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Kinepolis has reached an agreement to acquire the operations of the movie theatre chain Emagine Entertainment and expects to complete the acquisition by the end of the year.
As a result of this agreement, Kinepolis will add 14 cinemas to its portfolio, representing 177 screens and 18,000 seats, located in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Emagine Entertainment welcomes approximately 6 million visitors per year, generating nearly $129 million in revenue. The cinemas are equipped with recliner seats and offer their own Premium Large Format (PLF) under the names EMX (14 auditoriums) and Super EMX (three auditoriums). EMX features wall-to-wall screens with 4K laser projection and Dolby Atmos sound, while Super EMX takes the experience even further with an even larger screen and 64-channel Dolby Atmos sound for a truly immersive cinema experience.
“With the acquisition of Emagine Entertainment, we are back on track with the execution of our expansion strategy since the pandemic,” Kinepolis Group CEO Eddy Duquenne said. “We do this with a high-quality asset in a market where we have had positive experiences with our Kinepolis concepts. The location and size of the cinemas make them a valuable addition to the Group’s portfolio, allowing us to expand our presence in the US market and strengthen our national structure. We are excited to welcome the new teams to the Kinepolis family.”
Emagine Entertainment Chairman and CEO Paul Glantz said he’s pleased with the prospects for the future of the theaters.
“Kinepolis has a reputation for operating exceptionally well-run cinemas both in Europe and in North America,” he said. “Their commitment to providing guests with an unforgettable movie experience makes them the ideal suitor to continue the stewardship of Emagine into the future.”
Kinepolis will continue to operate Emagine theatres under the existing brand name and prioritizes the continuity for all Emagine customers, while carefully considering the needs of all employees and stakeholders.