BOSTON— Kinepolis Group has completed its acquisition of 13 Showcase Cinemas locations in the United States, including seven in Massachusetts, expanding the European cinema operator’s presence in the Northeast.
The transaction closed Sept. 11 and also includes five theaters in New York, one in Rhode Island and one in Ohio, according to an announcement from Showcase Cinemas.
Kinepolis plans to continue operating the theaters under the Showcase Cinemas name, maintaining continuity for customers and employees while investing in theater facilities and moviegoing experiences.
“We are very excited to welcome Showcase Cinemas into the Kinepolis Group,” said Eddy Duquenne, CEO of Kinepolis Group. He said the company plans to build on the Showcase brand and explore opportunities for further growth.
Ryan Dion, the newly appointed president of operations at Showcase Cinemas, said the company’s immediate priority is supporting theater employees and the communities they serve. Future plans include potential property improvements and additional premium viewing options.
Kinepolis has expanded its North American operations through acquisitions in recent years, including MJR Theatres and Emagine Entertainment in the United States and Landmark Cinemas in Canada.
Following the Showcase acquisition, Kinepolis operates 134 cinemas with 1,474 screens and approximately 230,000 seats across nine countries, supported by more than 5,000 employees. Its U.S. portfolio includes Showcase Cinemas, MJR Theatres and Emagine Entertainment.
The company has focused on premium moviegoing options, including upgraded seating, laser projection and immersive sound and screen formats. It said it intends to draw on that experience as it develops the Showcase business.
The acquisition gives Kinepolis a larger presence in Massachusetts and the Northeast while allowing Showcase Cinemas to retain its established name.
