New owner brings global cinema expertise and a commitment to invest in Showcase’s industry leading moviegoing experience
BOSTON, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kinepolis Group, a leading international cinema operator headquartered in Europe, has completed its acquisition of 13 Showcase Cinemas locations in the United States, including seven cinemas in Massachusetts, and five in New York state, one in RI and one in Ohio.
The transaction, which closed September 11, brings Showcase Cinemas into the Kinepolis Group, marking a significant expansion of Kinepolis’ presence in the United States and establishing a new chapter for a brand synonymous with moviegoing.
Kinepolis will continue to operate the cinemas under the Showcase Cinemas’ name, focusing on continuity for guests and employees while investing in the moviegoing experience and exploring opportunities for further growth.
“We are very excited to welcome Showcase Cinemas into the Kinepolis Group,” said Eddy Duquenne, CEO of Kinepolis Group. “Showcase has a strong history, a strong brand and a dedicated team, and we see significant opportunities to build on that foundation. Our goal is to invest in the existing business, enhance the experience of moviegoers and continue developing premium options that give audiences even more reasons to enjoy the cinema. We also see Showcase as an important platform for Kinepolis’ continued development in the region, and we remain open to new opportunities that offer the right fit and potential to create long-term value.”
Bringing Kinepolis’ global cinema expertise to Showcase
Founded in 1997 and built on cinema roots dating back to the late 1960s, Kinepolis has grown from its European origins into an international cinema group operating across Europe and North America. Following the Showcase acquisition, Kinepolis operates 134 cinemas, 1,474 screens and approximately 230,000 seats across nine countries, supported by more than 5,000 employees. Its U.S. portfolio now includes Showcase Cinemas, MJR Theatres and Emagine Entertainment.
Kinepolis has built its business on a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and investment in the moviegoing experience. At the forefront of the multiplex concept since the early 1970s, the company opened its first megaplex in Brussels in 1988, with 25 auditoriums, followed by Kinepolis Madrid, which for many years was the world’s largest cinema complex.
Kinepolis has also pioneered the widespread adoption of reserved seating, digitalization and laser projection in Europe, as well as advances in energy management and sustainability. Today, premiumization remains central to its strategy, with investments in premium seating, IMAX, ScreenX, XPlus and other large-format and immersive experiences across its international portfolio.
Over the past decade, Kinepolis has further strengthened its international cinema expertise through strategic acquisitions, including Landmark Cinemas in Canada, MJR Theatres and, more recently, Emagine Entertainment in the United States. These partnerships and acquisitions have expanded Kinepolis’ experience across diverse North American markets and its ability to build on established local brands while bringing its expertise in innovation, premiumization and operational excellence.
“We believe the Showcase brand has an excellent foundation in Massachusetts and throughout the Northeast,” said Ryan Dion, newly appointed President of Operations at Showcase Cinemas. “Our priority is to support the teams and communities that have made these cinemas successful. At the same time, we are looking at how we can invest in the properties, introduce additional premium experiences and give our guests even more choice in how they enjoy their movie. The acquisition represents more than an expansion of Kinepolis’ existing U.S. operations; it provides a platform for continued growth in the region.”
About Kinepolis
Kinepolis Group NV is a leading international cinema operator, active across Europe and North America and headquartered in Ghent, Belgium. The Group’s portfolio of premium cinema brands includes Kinepolis in Europe, Landmark Cinemas in Canada, and MJR Theatres, Emagine and Showcase Cinemas in the United States.
Founded in 1997 and publicly listed since 1998, Kinepolis builds on a cinema heritage dating back to the late 1960s and has grown into a reference in the cinema exhibition industry.
The Group combines continuous operational optimization with a strong focus on customer experience. In addition to its core exhibition activities, Kinepolis is active in film distribution, B2B events, screen advertising and real estate management, supporting a diversified and integrated business model.
Kinepolis operates a network of 134 cinemas, representing 1,474 screens and approximately 230,000 seats, across Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Canada and the United States. Supported by more than 5,000 employees, the Group delivers unforgettable entertainment experiences to millions of visitors each year.
More information is available at www.kinepolis.com/corporate.
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SOURCE Showcase Cinemas
