Cineworld looks for 3D boost
Cineworld said yesterday new blockbusters should lift business this year as its profit was hit by the poor weather before Christmas. The group said 2011 promised to be a big year with a schedule which includes new Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes films and a number of 3D movies, following the success of Avatar. Cineworld reported a 0.3 per cent increase in pre-tax profits to £30.4m in the year to 30 December.
But the firm, which has 78 cinemas across the UK, saw movie-goers dip to 47.2m in 2010, from 48.2m the previous year. The company is opening new cinemas in places including Manchester and Hampshire this year. It also confirmed that it is on the alert for possible acquisitions. Chief executive Steve Wiener said: “We were hit by the snow but have some great films coming up.”