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Wanda's AMC Theatres Now Largest Exhibitor in the World

AMC Theatres announcedit has acquiredCarmike Cinemasfor around$1.1 billion, including the assumption of Carmike debt.The deal makes it the biggestmovie theater chain in the United States and the world.

AMC Theatres, ownedby China'sDalian Wanda, now operates 900 venues with over10, 000 screens globally.

This figure includes 661 theaters with over8, 200 screens in the United Statestogether with 244 theaters and2, 200 screens in Europe.


AMC CEO and president Adam Aron said, “AMC now has a larger audience and a bigger stage to introduce our industry-leading innovations.These include plush power-recliner seats, enhanced food and beverage choices and premium large format screens.

AMC Theatres Growth

“We also have expanded AMC’s footprint across greater geography and more diverse demographics.We now serve most of the largest cities in the U.S. and Europe, along with hundreds of home towns, where guests can have an amazing AMC experience. In the United States, AMC now will enjoy increased benefit from movies that play better on Main Street and movies that play better in major metros, and, of course, from movies that play well in both.”

The U.S. Department of Justice has approved the deal with certain conditions. AMC is obliged tosell theaters in 15 markets in nine states where it competes with Carmike.It must alsodivest most of its holdings in in-theater advertising firm National CineMedia.

This deal follows the earlier acquistions ofEuropean cinema leaderOdeon & UCI Cinemas Group.

AMC Theatres Closes Carmike Cinemas Acquisition to Become Largest U.S. Exhibitor