Cineworld Looking At A CVA

According to information obtained by Sky News, the movie chain and its advisors at AlixPartners have started formally investigating a company voluntary arrangement (CVA).  This is following earlier reports that the company was seeking a sale of the business.

The Cineworld chain is a global business that went into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US back in 2022.  It has now emerged from that and much of its debts have been swapped for equity.  So it seems that many investors are still keen to be part of it.

In the abscence of any sort of sale a CVA is the companies best chance of reducing its overheads as it enables it to exit non profit making cinemas.  It can also help restructure its unsecured debts provided that the creditors agree to its proposal.  75% by value of those that vote will need to support any proposal.

The company has more than 100 sites in the UK, including the Picturehouse chain, and employs thousands of people

In a statement issued to Sky News earlier in the month, it said: “Like many businesses, we are continually reviewing our UK operations.”

It is also worth pointing out that this years film releases have underperformed.  Furiosa, Fall Guy, Civil War, Planet of the Apes have been well below expectations.  This is probably a combination of high ticket prices, streaming competition and lower quality compared to previous years..