Belgian movie theatre operator Kinepolis will acquire Emagine Entertainment for $105 million, expanding its operations in the United States. The deal includes 14 cinemas with 177 screens across Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin and could increase to $120 million depending on year-end box office results. Kinepolis CEO Eddy Duquenne said, “With the acquisition of Emagine Entertainment, we are back on track with the execution of our expansion strategy since the pandemic,” and Emagine CEO Paul Glantz 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,” according to ClickOnDetroit.
Michigan moviegoers will see the biggest change, with nine theaters becoming part of Kinepolis. WXYZ reported that Emagine locations will continue to operate under their current brand name despite the ownership change. Theaters in Woodhaven and Farmington Hills, as well as all Minnesota and Colorado locations, are not included in the deal because of existing brand licensing agreements.
Kinepolis previously entered the U.S. market in 2019 with the purchase of MJR Theatres. The company now operates 109 cinemas across Europe and North America, as mentioned by MLive. The Emagine acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
