U.S. Movie Theater Chains Consolidating Almost as Fast as CRE Brokerage Firms

In a bold move to consolidate ownership of U.S. movie theaters, AMC Entertainment announced an agreement to acquire Georgia-based Carmike Cinemas to create the largest movie theater chain in the U.S. controlling more than 600 theaters and 8,380 screens. Under the terms of the agreement, AMC will pay Carmike shareholders $30 per share, representing a 19 percent premium over the stock's closing price on Thursday. AMC will also assume Carmike’s debt...