Skip to Content

From Cinema Majestic in Harelbeke to an international movie theatre Group - Keynote by Eddy Duquenne (CEO Kinepolis Group)

June 8, 2023 by
Leadership Club, Bart Catrysse

On Thursday, June 8, 2023 , Leadership Club was delighted to host another M&A Trends and Insights in collaboration with EY Belgium and Liedekerke. The evening featured a keynote address from mr. Eddy Duquenne, CEO of Kinepolis Group who shared valuable insights from his experiences. Founded as a merger between two cinema groups, Bert and Claeys, Kinepolis has evolved into a major player in the cinema industry. Key facts about Kinepolis include: 

  • Current Operations: The group operates 110 movie theatres across various countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Poland, Canada, and the USA.
  • Workforce: Kinepolis employs over 4,000 people and attracts more than 41 million visitors annually.
  • Diverse Activities: Beyond cinema operations, Kinepolis is involved in film distribution, event organization, screen publicity, and property management, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and adaptability.

During his keynote, Mr. Duquenne focused on Kinepolis's significant growth as a result of strategic acquisitions, particularly the purchase of Landmark Cinemas and the American chain MJR  just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. His presentation encompassed several key themes:

  • M&A Strategy Post-COVID: Duquenne discussed how Kinepolis adapted its merger and acquisition strategy in the aftermath of the pandemic, emphasizing resilience and innovation in navigating challenges.
  • Personal Learnings: He shared personal insights regarding the complexities of M&A, highlighting the importance of thorough due diligence and fostering strong relationships during negotiations.

Expert Panel Discussion

Eddy Duquenne


CEO
Kinepolis Group

Marc Cosaert 


Partner M&A Advisory
EY 

Christel Van den Eynden

Partner Corporate and Finance Practice Group
Liedekerke

 Paul Verwilt


COO
Mediahuis

Prof. Hans Buysse

Adjunct Professor of Corporate Finance
Vlerick Business School 


The M&A Trends and Insights event proved to be an invaluable experience for professionals in the field, offering a wealth of inspiration from a leading figure in the cinema industry. Eddy Duquenne's insights, coupled with the expertise of the panelists, provided attendees with a clear perspective on the evolving M&A landscape and the strategies necessary to navigate it successfully.

You can support Leadership Club by following us on LinkedIn and liking or sharing our posts


Share this post