Movie theater chain PVR Ltd today acquired real estate major DLF's DT Cinemas for Rs 500 crore in yet another consolidation in the cinema exhibition business in India.
PVR, which had in February 2010 aborted a similar deal with DLF, today signed definitive agreement with the realty major to acquire 39 screens of DT Cinemas with a total capacity of around 9,000 seats.
At a meeting held today, PVR's Board approved the deal, its second major acquisition after acquiring Cinemax for Rs 395 crore in 2012.
Commenting on the deal, PVR Chairman-cum-Managing Director Ajay Bijli said: "It has been our strategy to expand our film exhibition business both organically and inorganically over the years.
"This acquisition is in pursuance of our core strategy to offer a world-class cinema experience to the discerning Indian consumer."
As a result of the proposed acquisition, PVR will have a presence in 44 cities with 115 multiplexes and 506 screens, PVR said in a statement.
DT Cinemas currently operates 29 screens with about 6,000 seats across eight properties in the National Capital Region and Chandigarh.
In the next 12 months, DT Cinemas proposes to add 10 new screens with about 3,000 seats at two properties in the National Capital Region.
DLF CEO (Rental Business) Sriram Khattar said the deal is for a total of 39 screens.
"Combining our unrelenting focus on providing a wholesome experience at our malls with PVR's deep knowledge of cinema business, we look forward to continue enhancing our best-in-class offerings for the customer," he added.
In November 2009 as well, DLF had signed an agreement with PVR to sell DT Cinemas, but the deal fell through in February 2010.
It is understood that Inox and a private equity player were also in the race for DT Cinemas before DLF decided to go back to PVR.
DLF, the country's largest realty firm, said the deal is part of its strategy to exit non-core businesses and cut huge debt of over Rs 20,000 crore. It has already sold hotel chain Amanresorts as well as insurance and wind power businesses.
The Indian multiplex space has been in consolidation mode as lack of space for opening new cinema halls, low footfalls in a large number of malls and high rentals have made it difficult for organic growth.
In January this year, Mexican multiplex chain operator Cinepolis fully acquired Essel Group's Fun Cinemas for an undisclosed sum.
Media and entertainment firm Network18 exited from multiplex business by divesting stake in Stargaze Entertainment to Carnival Films for an undisclosed sum.
