The vast majority of the exhibitors forming the
Cineplex Group (Germany), representing together close to 423 screens, have
concluded a contract with Ymagis for the digitalization of their screens.
Pursuant to this agreement, Cineplex will achieve its digital deployment in the
coming six months. Ymagis will provide Cineplex with various services, from VPF
management and financing solutions, to technical services.
Each of the 73
cinemas that are part of this agreement will be equipped with DCI-compliant
digital projection equipment from various manufacturers, and with the new
“Ymagis Theatre Central Server” that has been recently released by Ymagis which
will enable Cineplex to enjoy a secure infrastructure between all connected
screens. The cinemas will be serviced by German Service Partners such as
Cineproject, FTT Rüttgers and Kinoton, and by Ymagis’ subsidiary specialized in
technical services, Ymagis Engineering Services.
Thanks to this agreement, Cineplex will be able
to provide its patrons a better cinema experience, taking advantage of the most
recent developments in the digital cinema technology. Once again, the Cineplex group
confirms its strong ability to innovate and to move towards improved operating
efficiency.
The digital deployment of Cineplex will lead
the way for a rapid digitalization of the whole cinema industry in Germany. The
rapid Cineplex digital conversion will help distributors manage more
efficiently their digital releases, paving the way for a smoother conversion of
the whole industry.
The signature of this agreement will make
Ymagis the undisputed leader of the digital conversion in Germany, with more
than 550 screens signed, of which the majority will be deployed before the end
of 2011. Ymagis has now reached the position of leader in the three largest
cinema markets in Europe: France (more than 1000 screens signed of which 900
are deployed), Germany and Spain (close to 500 screens signed). With more than
2200 screens signed throughout Europe, of which close to 1600 will be deployed
before the end of 2011, Ymagis has become in a very short period of time a
market leader with a high growth potential.
Following the conclusion of this Agreement, Kim Ludolf Koch, Managing Director of
Cineplex Holdings GmbH, declared: “With Ymagis, we have found a partner who
has been able to find adequate solutions to the diverse situations and
requirements of our members. In addition to the 160 systems that have been recently
installed, our service partners will install another 260 systems in the coming
months, all these systems being covered by Ymagis’ financing model. This
agreement will help us maintain in the future the existing business
relationships with our technical service partners”.
Jean
Mizrahi, Founder and CEO of the Ymagis group, added: “Ymagis is proud to have been chosen by Cineplex to assist its
conversion to digital cinema. This agreement awards Ymagis’ approach to the cinema
market: respect of each country’s specific cinematographic culture and
specificities, equitable approach to all players in the industry, search for
the highest quality for our services. We intend to stick to this philosophy in
the future, and we will do our best efforts to offer Cineplex and other German
exhibitors the best possible services for their digital operations.”
Michael
Krauth, Ymagis Deutschland GmbH’ Deployment Director, said: ”The signature of this agreement is a milestone
for Ymagis’ development in Germany. We are extremely honored to be working with
Cineplex, a major group of exhibitors managing from Multiplexes to traditional
Cinemas. After two years of intensive efforts, our company has now become a major
player in Germany. We will from now on focus on delivering the best services to
all our clients, and on offering solutions to all exhibitors who need to
convert to digital. The time window for the conversion is now getting short as hybrid
management of digital and 35mm will soon become very difficult for distributors
and exhibitors. All exhibitors must have a chance to convert in the best possible
conditions, without being left on the side; we look forward to offering them
adequate solutions to make this transition as smooth as possible.
About
Cineplex:
Cineplex is an association of medium size
exhibition companies in Germany. With more than 460 screens in 85 complexes,
Cineplex is among the market leaders in Germany. The individual companies
members of Cineplex that are owned by more than 25 independent families have
joined forces in all major segments of today’s cinema operations in order to
realize cost savings and synergies. Cineplex Germany GmbH & Co KG, to which
all its members participate, provides central services such as procurement,
marketing IT, advice and cooperation management.