Kinepolis sees 30% profit hike

LONDON -- European cinema group Kinepolis reported a 30% increase in profit to 36.5 million ($47.5 million) this season, with sales up 6.1 % to 253.7 million ($329.8 million). The Belgium-based exhibitor, which works multiplexes in France, The nation, Europe and Belgium, drenched 21.3 million admissions a year ago, just .3% lower from 2010. But box office revenue was up 2.1% to 149.millions of ($193.8 million), due to greater ticket prices. Credits and screen advertising were also up. A Kinepolis statement mentioned this revenue growth reflected a noteworthy difference inside the customer experience from purchasing digitization, re-creating its theaters, and improving the refreshments available. Growth wasn't uniform within the areas through which Kinepolis works. The The the spanish language language business experienced from that country's economic worries, with ticket sales falling 7.9% to 4.2 million inside the group's three sites. Belgian admissions elevated 2.8% from 11 sites, while French ticket sales ticked up .5%. Admissions across Europe completed most effective inside the final quarter of 2011, after lagging substantially behind 2010 inside the first nine several days of year. France and Belgium were buoyed by strong local movies, for instance "Intouchables" and "Rundskop," because the local connection of "The Adventures of Tintin" and "The Smurfs" also aided to push people films to the 5 best artists for Kinepolis. Despite a larger volume of 3d releases, total 3d ticket sales were lower this season, with no blockbuster to enhance the 3 dimensional success of "Avatar" this season. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com