Cineworld Group / Empire Cinemas merger inquiry

The CMA investigated and cleared the acquisition by Cineworld Group plc of 5 cinemas owned by Empire Cinemas Limited.

• From: Competition and Markets Authority
• Published: 2 September 2016
• Last updated: 4 January 2017 — See all updates

• Case type: Mergers
• Case state: Closed
• Market sector: Recreation and leisure
• Outcome: Mergers - phase 1 clearance
• Opened: 2 September 2016
• Closed: 4 January 2017

Statutory timetable

Phase 1 date	Action
4 January 2017	Decision published
12 December 2016	Decision announced
17 to 31 October 2016	Invitation to comment
17 October 2016	Launch of merger inquiry
2 September 2016	Initial enforcement order

Phase 1

CMA clearance decision

12 December 2016: The CMA has cleared the acquisition by Cineworld Group plc of 5 cinemas owned by Empire Cinemas Limited. The full text of the decision is available below.

• Full text decision (4.1.17)

Invitation to comment: Now closed

17 October 2016: The CMA is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction has resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if, so, whether the creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

Launch of merger inquiry

17 October 2016: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

• Commencement of initial period notice (17.10.16)

Initial enforcement order

2 September 2016: On 16 August, the CMA served an initial enforcement order under section 72(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 on Cineworld Group plc in relation to the acquisition by Cineworld Group plc of the following cinemas owned by Empire Cinemas Limited: Empire Leicester Square, Empire Basildon, Empire Hemel Hempstead, Empire Poole, Empire Bromley.

• Initial enforcement order (2.9.16).

Amendments/consents granted:

• Derogation 29 September 2016 (4.10.16)

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest to:

Martin Hughes
Competition and Markets Authority
Victoria House
Southampton Row
London
WC1B 4AD

martin.hughes@cma.gsi.gov.uk

Published 2 September 2016
Last updated 4 January 2017 + show all updates

1. 4 January 2017

   Full text of the decision published.

2. 12 December 2016

   Clearance decision announced

3. 17 October 2016

   Launch of merger inquiry and invitation to comment issued.

4. 4 October 2016

   Derogation published.

5. 2 September 2016

   First published.