Trinity Hunt sells Starplex Cinemas to AMC for about $175 mln

Trinity Hunt Partners has completed the sale of movie theater operator Starplex Cinemas to AMC Entertainment Holdings. The price of the transaction, which was approved by the Department of Justice, was about $175 million. Peter J. Solomon Company provided advice to Starplex on the deal.

PRESS RELEASE

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Trinity Hunt Partners, a Dallas-based private equity firm, today announced the Department of Justice has approved the sale of portfolio company Starplex Cinemas, a theatrical exhibition company which operates 33 movie theatres with 346 screens in 12 states, to AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. for approximately $175 million, subject to final working capital and other adjustments. The sale and purchase agreement was originally announced in July 2015.

Trinity Hunt’s partnership with Starplex Cinemas’ management team began in December 2012, when the firm completed a merger of former portfolio company, ShowPlex Cinemas, and Starplex to position the new company for growth. Over the following three years, Trinity Hunt and Starplex executed a strategic growth plan that resulted in revenues and theatre-level cash flow growth of greater than 45 percent through the addition of five new locations and remodeling of select existing locations.

“We have always strived to provide an exceptional entertainment experience for our customers through luxurious amenities and unmatched customer service,” said Steve Holmes, CEO of Starplex Cinemas. “By partnering with Trinity Hunt, we were able to expand our offerings and geographical reach by opening additional theatres throughout the country.”

“We have greatly enjoyed working with the Starplex Cinemas management team to grow their theatre circuit and enhance their reputation for providing customers with state-of-the-art amenities,” said Dan Dross, managing partner at Trinity Hunt Partners. “Our partnership proved to be successful, and with AMC, Starplex’s theatres are well positioned to continue providing a premier movie-going experience.”

Peter J. Solomon Company advised Starplex on the transaction.

About Trinity Hunt Partners
Trinity Hunt Partners is a Dallas-based private equity firm investing in established middle-market companies that are valued between $25 million and $150 million, where additional capital and operating resources can accelerate growth. The firm considers investment opportunities within a select group of industries where it has developed domain expertise, including B2B business services, niche manufacturing, industrial services, non-cyclical consumer and health care services. For more information on Trinity Hunt Partners, visit www.trinityhunt.com.