Shanghai Stellar Cinema Nears Broadway China Deal
AM730 · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Shanghai Stellar Cinema Management is reportedly close to acquiring a majority stake in Broadway Circuit’s mainland China business, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter. Broadway Circuit operates 29 cinemas in mainland China, with several more new sites in preparation, and the transaction would bring Stellar’s total cinema count to nearly 200 if completed.
Key Points
- Bloomberg, cited by local media, said Shanghai Stellar Cinema Management is nearing a deal for a majority stake in Broadway Circuit’s mainland China operations.
- Broadway Circuit, controlled by Hong Kong film distributor Edko Films, has 29 mainland cinemas and several additional new cinemas under preparation.
- People familiar with the matter said the two cinema chains would continue to operate independently after the transaction is completed.
- Stellar Cinema is backed by private equity firm PAG and is seeking expansion in first-tier cities to reach new audiences.
- Shanghai Stellar Cinema Management was established in January 2015 and was sold to PAG in 2023; after Orange Sky Golden Harvest exited Hong Kong last June, Stellar took over some of its Hong Kong cinemas.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the reported deal links a mainland expansion move with a circuit tied to a Hong Kong film distributor and comes after Stellar had already taken over some former Orange Sky Golden Harvest cinemas in Hong Kong. If completed, the transaction would strengthen Stellar’s scale while keeping the two brands operating separately, potentially preserving Broadway’s market presence in mainland cities.