Cineworld, the second-largest cinema chain in the world (behind AMC), the owner of Regal in the U.S. and the largest operator in the U.K. (where is also owns Picturehouse), was right on the entertainment industry’s front line when the novel coronavirus pandemic struck.
Even before the lockdown was initiated in the U.K. (where Cineworld, alongside other chains, shuttered its branches the week of March 16), the company had warned that a prolonged period of closure would cast serious doubt on its ability to carry on, sending its stock price into freefall.
Shortly after, the chain — which owns 518 screens across 790 sites in 11 countries — faced a backlash from staff following widespread layoffs, a decision made just a day before the British.
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