AMC takes over Laemmle Fallbrook multiplex in West Hills

Continuing its expansion in the Los Angeles market, AMC Theatres said it would take over the lease of the Laemmle Fallbrook 7 complex in West Hills.

“We already have a strong presence in the area, but we’re very excited at the opportunity to not only add to the AMC family in the area, but to turn this theater into one of the nicest in the country,” Mark McDonald, executive vice president of development at AMC, said in a statement.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The move is the latest by AMC, the nation’s second largest theater chain, which has been beefing up its presence in the L.A. market, where it already has 28 theaters. AMC opened its first Southern California dine-in movie theater in Marina del Rey in November.

The Kansas City, Mo., chain, acquired last year by China’s Dalian Wanda Group for $2.6 billion, operates 4,804 screens in 332 theaters mainly in the U.S.

AMC said it was working with Fallbrook Center, owned and managed by General Growth Properties, to improve the theater by adding stadium seating, new sound and digital projectors and an expanded concession menu. Construction will begin this spring and the theater will remain open during the renovations, which should be complete later this year, the company said.

“We also understand there’s a passionate group of guests who have loyally relied on this location, and we’re looking forward to meeting the needs of the current guests while welcoming in new guests through our programming and amenities,” McDonald said.

Laemmle, the L.A.-based indie cinema chain known for showing art house movies, has shut down or sold several theaters in recent years in the face of rising competition from large circuits like AMC as well as rivals ArcLight Cinemas and Landmark Theatres. But Laemmle recently invested $7.5 million to build an all-digital theater, called NoHo7, on Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood.

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