Vue cinemas weighs £1.5bn sale or stock market debut after profit surge
Vue, the global cinema chain, is exploring a sale or stock market listing that could value the business at up to £1.5bn. The move follows a strong financial rebound in early 2025, with profits in the first three months surpassing the entire previous year’s total. The company, founded by Canadian entrepreneur Tim Richards, operates over 2,000 screens across 225 locations worldwide. It employs thousands of staff but reported losses of more than £90m in the year to November 2024.
Ownership of Vue shifted during a post-Covid restructuring. American asset manager Barings and hedge fund Farallon Capital took control, replacing previous backers Omers and Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), both Canadian pension funds. Preparations for a potential change in ownership began last year with the appointment of James McArthur as chief financial officer. Since then, Vue has been in discussions with banks to advise on either a sale or a public listing. The company’s recent profit surge has strengthened its position ahead of any deal.
A sale or listing could reshape Vue’s future as it recovers from pandemic-era losses. The company’s global network of cinemas and improved financial performance may attract significant investor interest. Any transaction would mark a major shift since its restructuring under new ownership.
