Cineplex Makes Big Move Buys 26 Theatres

Big changes are on the way at Empire Theatres. The Nova Scotia-based Empire Company is getting out of the movie-theatre business. The move is being made so the company can focus on Sobeys, the national grocery chain that accounts for most of its revenue. Canada's largest cinema company, Cineplex, will pay 200 million dollars cash to acquire 26 of the theatres. Empire operates the big screens in Bridgewater but it's not clear what the takeover will mean for the local movie theatre. Landmark Cinemas will buy 20 theatres in Ontario and Western Canada for up to 55 million dollars.