In a move that signals its most ambitious expansion since the pandemic, Belgian theater powerhouse Kinepolis Group NV announced Tuesday that it has reached an agreement to acquire Emagine Entertainment’s portfolio for $105 million, a strategic play to deepen its reach across the U.S. cinema landscape.
The deal could grow even larger—Kinepolis said it is prepared to pay an additional $15 million depending on U.S. box office growth in 2025, a figure that has yet to be officially confirmed.
Expanding Across the Midwest
The acquisition includes 14 Emagine theaters boasting 177 screens and roughly 18,000 seats spread across Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Kinepolis, listed on the Euronext Brussels exchange, said its current banking partners have already approved €100 million ($115 million) in additional financing to fund the deal. The company expects the transaction to close by the end of 2025.
“This is a milestone in our company’s expansion,” said Eddy Duquenne, CEO of Kinepolis, in a statement. “The location and size of these high-quality cinemas make them a valuable addition to our portfolio, allowing us to strengthen our presence in the U.S. market.”
