Cinepolis to have 400 screens in India by 2017

Mexican multiplex operator Cinepolis will have 400 screens operational in the country by 2017 and plans to add around 300 more screens in the next 7-8 years, a company official said.
"We are adding more screens and the total number will go up to 400 by 2017. There is also a healthy pipeline of 300 screens which will take seven to eight years to become operational," Cinepolis India MD Javier Sotumayor said.
It is the fourth largest operator after PVR, Inox and Carnival Cinemas.
He said that across 46 multiplexes in 32 cities, Cinepolis was also having megaplexes (more than 10 screens)in cities like Pune, Mumbai and Kochi.

The official said the slowdown in the Indian real estate market had put a brake on the expansion of screens, but added that he was optimistic about the future and are in talks with various developers at the moment.
"We are continuing signing deals with the developers", he said.

The Indian operations accounted for 10 per cent of the Cinepolis' global ticket sales in 13 countries.
In the eastern region, the operator was looking at 45 screens, including a seven-screen plex at Rajarhat near the metropolis here.
Indian operations of Cinepolis broke even in 2013 and was now making profits, he said.

Cinepolis opened its first multiplex at Acropolis Mall in the city today.
The operator owned three brands, namely Cinepolis International, Cinepolis VIP and Fun Cinemas which was acquired.
"We are looking at opportunities for acquisitions as the multiplex industry is in a consolidation phase in India", he said.