Multiplex chain PVR Ltd is eyeing Rs. 5 billion revenue from South India-based SPI Cinemas, which the former is in the process of acquiring, by financial year 2019-20. SPI Cinemas, which operates 76 screens across 17 properties in 10 cities under brands Sathyam, Escape, Palazzo, The Cinema, S2 Cinema, has reported revenue of Rs. 3 billion in 2017-18. “We expect SPI Cinema acquisition to contribute Rs 500 crore (5 billion) revenue by financial year 2020. We also expect this acquisition to help us diversify content risk further with good mix of regional, Bollywood and Hollywood films,” states Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR Pictures & Head of Strategy and Planning Recently, PVR announced it is acquiring 71.69 per cent stake in SPI Cinemas for about Rs 6.33 billion in an all cash deal. The company’s board also approved the issuance of 1.6 million shares of PVR for the residual stake. The company said that acquisition is in line with its continual growth and expansion strategy and will progressively achieve its vision of having 1,000 screens by financial year 2020. Post the transaction, PVR will now boom with 706 screens operational across the country and the company said this acquisition will make it hit the number 1 operator in top 3 cities of South India – Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. When asked if the company is looking at more acquisition opportunities, he said, “We are very conscious of (acquiring a player) that is a perfect fit in terms of quality and value proposition. There are not too many opportunities out there now… but if something comes our way we will look at it.”

Lately in March this year, PVR has said it is evaluating acquisition opportunities of cinema exhibition chains and plans to raise up to Rs 10 billion, to carry out the transaction, through issuance of non convertible debentures (NCDs). In 2016, PVR had also acquired 32 screens of DT cinemas from realty major DLF for Rs. 4.33 billion. PVR currently operates over 600 screens in 52 cities in India.