Cinema portfolio acquired by Ireland’s largest operator

Irish cinema group Omniplex has acquired five sites from the collapsed Empire Cinema chain, securing 150 jobs.

It’s Omniplex’s first expansion into mainland Great Britain and adds the new screens to its portfolio of 38 separate cinema locations with 270 screens.

The group will make a £22.5m investment over eighteen months to purchase and renovate cinemas in Birmingham, Ipswich, Sutton, Clydebank and High Wycombe. Each site is set to open this month with plans to open more next year. The Birmingham site is set to open today (December 6).

Empire went into administration in July, causing the loss of 150 jobs.

Paul John Anderson, Director of the Omniplex Cinema Group said: “We are thrilled to bring Omniplex Cinemas to Great Britain. Our disciplined approach to investing in our businesses and unwavering drive to operate high-quality cinema locations have proved successful over the years on the island of Ireland and has given us the confidence to venture into new territories.

“This expansion is a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality, and delivering unforgettable moments for our customers.”