By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
North Attleborough’s Showcase Cinema de Lux is set to come under new ownership as part of a $30 million deal involving 13 movie theaters across four states.
Belgium-based cinema operator Kinepolis Group announced June 11 that it has reached an agreement to purchase several Showcase Cinemas locations from Harbor Lights Entertainment, formerly known as National Amusements.
The deal includes seven theaters in Massachusetts — including the Showcase Cinema de Lux on Route 1 in North Attleborough — along with four locations in New York, one in Ohio and one in Rhode Island.
The acquisition will add 164 screens and nearly 17,800 seats to Kinepolis’ portfolio. According to the company, the Showcase locations included in the deal attracted approximately 4 million moviegoers in 2025 and generated more than $90 million in revenue.
The theaters feature expanded food and beverage options, premium large-format screens and stadium-style seating. About 80% of the auditoriums included in the acquisition are equipped with recliner seating, according to Kinepolis.
The company expects to complete the acquisition by the end of the summer.
In announcing the deal, Kinepolis CEO Eddy Duquenne said the acquisition will allow the company to expand its presence in the eastern United States while bringing its operating model to new markets.
“This acquisition allows us to expand our market position in the US from Michigan to the East Coast with an asset and a team that enable us to implement Kinepolis’ operational model and corporate strategy, ultimately enhancing the experience for moviegoers in these markets,” said Duquenne.
Kinepolis said the agreement includes ownership of six theater properties, while the remaining locations will operate under lease agreements.
The agreement comes as the movie theater industry continues to navigate shifting consumer habits, rising operating costs and competition from streaming services. Several former Showcase locations in the region have closed in recent years, including theaters in Foxboro, Randolph and Providence.
Kinepolis said the theaters included in the deal will keep the Showcase Cinemas name.
“Kinepolis will continue to operate Showcase Cinemas under the existing brand name and prioritizes the continuity for all Showcase customers, while carefully considering the needs of employees and other stakeholders,” the company said.
Founded in 1997 through the merger of two family-owned cinema companies, Kinepolis has grown into an international theater operator with locations across Europe and North America. Following the acquisition, the company will operate more than 120 cinemas worldwide, totaling more than 1,300 screens and 220,000 seats.