NetStar nears $800-million deal

Article Abstract:

NetStar Communications Inc., the Toronto, Ontario-based owner of The Sports Network and Discovery Channel, is negotiating the sale of a majority stake to several interested parties for more than C$800 million. Shaw Communications Inc. of Calgary, Alberta, and CanWest Global Communications Corp. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, appear to be the leading candidates to acquire up to two-thirds of NetStar. Alliance Communications Corp., Baton Broadcasting Inc. and Astral Communications Inc. are also in the running. One observer, however, has noted that the asking price of over $800 million seem steep.

Comment:

Is a leading candidate to acquire a majority stake in NetStar Communications

Cable Television Systems, Cable Networks, Radio & TV Broadcasting, Radio and Television Broadcasting, Alberta, Manitoba, Cable television broadcasting industry, Cable television, Shaw Communications Inc., Broadcasting industry, Broadcasting, CanWest Global Communications Corp., NetStar Communications Inc.

Cineplex Odeon gears up for $350-million expansion

Article Abstract:

Cineplex Odeon Canada, the Toronto, Ontario-based subsidiary of Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corp. of New York, is preparing to launch a C$350-million expansion program to build several multiplex theaters over the next five years. Cineplex Odeon did not give the exact number of multiplex theaters it plans to build in Canada, but observers noted the plan will involve a total of 800 screens. Cineplex Odeon will market its new multiplex theaters, which will be called Cinetropolis, as entertainment destinations, where customers can play, eat dinner and watch a movie.

Comment:

Is preparing to launch a C$350-million expansion program to build several multiplex theaters over the next five years

Facilities & equipment, Motion Picture Theaters, Motion Picture and Video Exhibition, Movie theaters, Cineplex Odeon Canada

Alliance to close Cineplex Odeon Films deal

Article Abstract:

Alliance Communications Corp. of Toronto, Ontario, will finalize its acquisition of Cineplex Odeon Films of Montreal, Quebec, for less than C$10 million on May 21, 1998. The deal, which will be announced at a press conference at Cineplex's Varsity Cinemas, is seen as strategically important for Alliance's aim of capturing 12% of Canada's movie distribution business. Alliance, an entertainment production firm that is also Canada's biggest movie distributor, will gain about 300 titles from Cineplex's feature film library.

Comment:

Will finalize its acquisition of Cineplex Odeon Films of Montreal, Quebec, for less than C$10 mil on 5/21/98

Motion Picture Distribution, Motion Picture and Video Distribution, Quebec, Movie distribution, Alliance Communications Corp., Cineplex Odeon Films