EFA Partners acted as the exclusive sell-side advisor to Emagine Entertainment for its planned sale to Kinepolis, significantly expanding Kinepolis's presence in the North American cinema market.

Information on the Target

Emagine Entertainment, established in 1997 by Paul Glantz, is recognized as the 11th largest theater chain in North America, attracting approximately 6 million visitors annually and generating close to $129 million in revenue. With a strong emphasis on enhancing the cinematic experience, Emagine features modern amenities such as recliner seating and premium large format (PLF) screens under the names EMX and Super EMX. The EMX auditoriums include advanced wall-to-wall screens, 4K laser projection, and Dolby Atmos sound systems, while Super EMX enhances the experience even further with larger screens and 64-channel sound systems.

Currently, the company operates 14 cinemas across the states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, accommodating a total of 177 screens and 18,000 seats. In addition to its theaters, Emagine provides managerial services to other cinema locations in Minnesota and Colorado through brand licensing agreements, helping to further extend its reach in the market.

Industry Overview in the Target’s Specific Country

The U.S. cinema industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and heightened competition from streaming platforms. Traditional movie theaters face the challenge of not only attracting larger audiences but also compe