Marcus Theatres to Acquire Movie Tavern Circuit from VSS-Southern Theatres, LLC
Marcus Theatres®, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of Movie Tavern from VSS-Southern Theatres, LLC (“Southern Theatres”), a portfolio company of Veronis Suhler Stevenson (“VSS”), a private equity firm. Based upon yesterday’s closing share price of The Marcus Corporation’s common stock, the purchase price is currently valued at approximately $126 million, comprised of $30 million in cash and 2,450,000 shares of The Marcus Corporation common stock, subject to certain lock-up restrictions.
With 22 locations and 208 screens in nine states, New Orleans-based Movie Tavern is an industry leader known for its successful in-theatre dining concept featuring chef-driven menus, premium quality food and drink and luxury seating. Upon completion of the transaction, Marcus Theatres will own or operate a total of 1,098 screens at 90 locations in 17 states, representing a 23% increase in Marcus Theatres’ total screen count.
“The acquisition of Movie Tavern is another significant milestone in the growth trajectory of Marcus Theatres,” said Gregory S. Marcus, president and chief executive officer of The Marcus Corporation. “Selective, disciplined acquisitions such as this create a compelling opportunity to expand into new growth markets and leverage our proven success. We anticipate this acquisition will be accretive to earnings, earnings per share and cash flow in the first twelve months following the closing of the transaction, and expect a smooth integration of Movie Tavern into our circuit. In addition, by using common stock as a component of the consideration, we will continue to maintain an extremely strong balance sheet and be in a position to consider additional growth opportunities in the future.”
The transaction is expected to be completed early in the first quarter of 2019, subject to Hart-Scott-Rodino Act clearance and other customary closing conditions, consents and approvals.
“The foundation of our growth and success is our guest service expertise and the strength of our food and beverage offerings, which includes multiple lobby and in-theatre dining options that have revolutionized the moviegoing experience,” said Rolando B. Rodriguez, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Marcus Theatres. “Building upon this successful platform, we look forward to collaborating with our new colleagues to further enhance the Movie Tavern experience. This includes leveraging our ‘to the seat’ delivery of food and beverages, as well as the introduction of new amenities to select locations, such as premium large format screens and DreamLoungerSM recliner seating; signature programming, such as $5 movies on Tuesdays with free popcorn for loyalty members; and proven marketing, loyalty and pricing programs that will benefit Movie Tavern guests.”
CLICK HERE TO READ THE NEWS RELEASE
Source: Marcus Theatres (Business Wire)
Category: Member News
