The UK's Largest Cinema Chain
Odeon is by far the UK's largest cinema chain. Synonymous with cinema, Odeon boasts more cinemas, screens, seats and customers than any other cinema chain in the UK.
Odeon was founded by Oscar Deutsch in 1930 and was acquired by J Arthur Rank in 1942. Odeon remained under the ownership of the Rank Group for a further 58 years.
Odeon was later purchased by Cinven on 21st February 2000 and merged with the ABC cinema chain. With all ABC sites re-vitalised and re-branded Odeon, the resulting "superchain" of cinemas continued the Odeon success story, experiencing 3 record years of trading in a market which has demonstrated strong and resilient growth.
On 7th March 2003 the ownership of Odeon changed hands. The new ownership being comprised of a consortium of investors with the principal partners being WestLB, The Entertainment Group and Robert Tchenguiz of Rotch.
With the new ownership in place Odeon remains well placed to pro-actively optimise any future market developments and ensure that it retains and builds on its strong brand leadership position.
