About us

The UK's Largest Cinema Chain

ODEON is the largest cinema chain in the UK, with over one hundred cinemas.

Founded in 1930 by Oscar Deutsch, ODEON was acquired in 1941 by J Arthur Rank who had interests in film production and distribution. ODEON remained a part of The Rank Organisation for a further 58 years. An extensive re-branding campaign in 1998 further re-enforced ODEON's position as market leader in the UK and introduced "Fanatical About Film" to the UK cinema-goer. The re-branding and refurbishment campaign culminated in the £3million upgrade of the flagship cinema, the ODEON Leicester Square.

On the 21st February 2000, ODEON was sold to Cinven, who merged the newly re-branded ODEON chain with their existing ABC cinema chain. The resulting chain of cinemas were all re-branded and ODEON enjoyed over two years of continuing positive growth.

Following this success, Cinven sold ODEON to a consortium of investors early in 2003. The principal partners in the purchase were WestLB, The Entertainment Group and Robert Tchenguiz of Rotch.

More recently, private equity firm Terra Firma (opens in a new window) acquired ODEON in September 2004, and United Cinemas International in October 2004. Terra Firma, together with its predecessor organisation have invested about £4 billion in a variety of businesses across Europe over recent years. As a result, ODEON is looking forward to an exciting period of development during which it will continue to build on its unique position as the UK's number one cinema chain.

United Cinemas International operates cinemas in Ireland, Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy and Portugal. The UCI and thefilmworks cinemas in the UK have now changed their name to ODEON.

ODEON is now part of ODEON and UCI Cinemas Group. Click here to visit the website (opens in a new window).

If you would like to view websites from other UCI European territories please click here (opens in a new window).

If you are interested in working for ODEON, the no.1 cinema chain in the UK, then click here to be directed to our dedicated careers website (opens in a new window) where you can find out more about ODEON and our current opportunities.

For further details about ODEON Cinemas Ltd, please click here for the Contact us page

ODEON Cinemas are proud to have been awarded the Carbon Trust Standard.

ODEON & Reel Cinemas (UK) Ltd

Today ODEON - the number one cinema chain across the UK and Ireland* - is pleased to announce the completion of a deal with Reel cinemas, which will see four existing sites plus one new cinema opening within one week. Two further pipeline cinemas will open in 2012 (Llanelli) and 2013 (West Bromwich).

The sites in Andover, Crewe, Loughborough and Newark and the new cinema in Swadlincote - which will open its doors to local film fans for the first time on Friday, 11th November - will add 26 screens, of which 17 are capable of screening 3D content, to the existing 893 operated by ODEON across the UK and Ireland.

Posted 4th November 2011
Book Tickets
ODEON Whiteleys - The Lounge
Whiteleys of Bayswater
London
W2 4YL

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