But releases in the first half of the year failed to match the success of last year’s Jurassic World and Euro 2016 kept punters away. UK and Ireland admissions were down 4% at 24 million in the six months to June 30.
However, growth in its other markets, including Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, meant first-half revenue, stripping out currency fluctuations, rose nearly 7% to £356.7 million. Adjusted pre-tax profits were flat at £39.4 million.
Peel Hunt analysts said the results were “decent” in light of a strong box-office comparative. “We remain positive and see plenty of upside potential for the rest of 2016 and beyond,” they added.
The company, which last month bought five Empire cinemas including Leicester Square, is looking to grow further and is negotiating on other “strategic” locations in the capital.
“The acquisitions reflect our confidence in UK market,” Cohen said.
