Loews Expected to Leave Moviefone

Loews Cineplex Entertainment Corp., one of the world’s largest theater chains, is expected to announce today its withdrawal from AOL Time Warner’s Moviefone service.

The company plans to continue offering advance ticketing by phone or the Web but only through privately held Fandango of Santa Monica.

Loews, one of seven theater chains that are partners with Fandango, intends to explore seat reservations and concession sales through Fandango as well, said Lawrence J. Ruisi, president and chief executive of the New York-based chain. The change is scheduled to take effect Friday.