Hollywood
Imax & Omnijoi expand revenue share partnership in China with 15-theatre deal
MUMBAI: Imax Corporation and Omnijoi Cinema Development Co., Ltd, (erstwhile Jiangsu Eudemonia Blue Ocean Cinema Development Co., Ltd.) have expanded their revenue sharing arrangement with the addition of 15 new Imax theatre systems in China.
This agreement brings Omnijoi Cinemas’ total Imax commitment to 31 theatres and positions the exhibitor as the third-largest Imax exhibitor partner in China and fifth-largest globally.
“Today’s agreement will see Omnijoi Cinemas nearly double its Imax footprint – a significant commitment that underscores the success of the Imax business model and the continued demand for The Imax Experience among Chinese moviegoers. Omnijoi is a valued partner that shares our passion for innovation and quality and together we look forward to continuing to change the way audiences in China experience today’s biggest blockbusters,” said Imax CEO Richard L. Gelfond.
“This partnership is a direct result of the success of our existing Imax theatres that have delighted our guests with the best Chinese and Hollywood films in the world’s most immersive cinematic format. As we continue to expand our network of cinemas, Imax will be a flagship attraction at our upcoming complexes – one we are confident will continue to support our business,” said Omnijoi Media Group vice president Yang Shu.
Omnijoi Cinema Development was founded especially to develop and operate cinemas. It has over 15 locations of five star Cineplex as of 31 May, 2015. The company is planning to invest billions RMB to build 150 Cineplex with 1200 screens and become a leading exhibitor in China.
Hollywood
WBD sets April 23 vote on $110bn Paramount Skydance merger
Investor approval key step, but regulators loom over mega media deal
NEW YORK: Warner Bros. Discovery has set April 23 as the date for shareholders to vote on its proposed $110 billion merger with Paramount Skydance, marking a crucial step in one of the biggest media deals in recent years.
The all-cash transaction offers WBD shareholders $31 per share, a hefty 147 per cent premium to its unaffected stock price, signalling strong intent to push the deal across the finish line. The company’s board has unanimously backed the merger and is urging investors to vote in favour.
Even if shareholders give the green light, the deal is far from done. Regulators in the United States and Europe are expected to scrutinise the merger closely, weighing concerns around competition and potential price impacts for consumers.
To keep investors on side, WBD has built in a safety net. If the deal is not completed by September 30, shareholders will receive a quarterly “ticking fee” of $0.25 per share until closure.
The proposed merger would significantly reshape the media landscape, combining the assets of Warner Bros. Discovery with those linked to Paramount Global and Skydance Media. It would also cement the growing influence of David Ellison, who has been steering Skydance’s aggressive expansion strategy.
“The WBD Board has been guided by the singular principle of securing a transaction that maximises the value of our iconic assets and delivers as much certainty as possible to our shareholders,” said Warner Bros. Discovery board chair Samuel A. Di Piazza Jr.. “This historic transaction will expand consumer choice and create new opportunities for creative talent.”
Warner Bros. Discovery chief executive officer David Zaslav added that the company is working closely with its counterpart to close the deal and unlock value for stakeholders.
With investor backing likely but regulatory hurdles ahead, the proposed merger is shaping up to be a defining moment for the global entertainment industry, where scale, content and competition are increasingly intertwined.
