Yahoo News Cineworld is to shut 25 of its 100 cinemas as part of 'restructuring' plan
Cineworld is planning to shut around a quarter of its UK cinemas in its latest restructuring, according to reports.
The cinema chain, which currently runs around 100 sites across the country, is expected to launch closures as part of a formal restructuring plan.
Sky News reported that the group, which was taken private last year, will also seek renegotiated rents on around 50 other cinemas, with the remaining roughly 25 sites untouched by the process.
The chain which has four sites in the North East - in Newcastle, Boldon, Seaham and Middlesbrough - also runs the Picturehouse chain and is among cinema firms to have been knocked by the growth of streaming services, delays to releases following actor and writer strikes, and the increased cost-of-living for customers.
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Sky reported that the restructuring proposals were expected to be formally outlined to creditors including landlords in the coming weeks.
It is understood that financial services firm AlixPartners is acting as an adviser during the process.
The group was listed on the London Stock Exchange until last year, when it was taken over by investors and hedge funds after it had been hamstrung by its multibillion-pound debt pile.
The investors exchanged billions of pounds worth of debt for equity in the business, after the group also filed for bankruptcy protection in the US.
Cineworld has been contacted for comment.
