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Imax Doubles Down on China With New Deal as Theaters Buzz Again

  • Deal with Guangzhou Jinyi expands Imax’s 700-theater network
  • China has become the world’s largest movie market in 2020
Wanda IMAX cinema, Shandong Province, China. 

Wanda IMAX cinema, Shandong Province, China. 

Photographer: Zhang Peng/LightRocket/Getty Images

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Imax Corp. sees the potential to add at least 400 theaters in China by 2023, as the cinema chain operator looks to expand its footprint in a country that’s emerged as the world’s largest movie market this year.

The Ontario, Canada-based firm known for massive screens in its movie halls, has signed a deal with its Chinese partner Guangzhou Jinyi Media Corp. for five new locations and upgrades at seven existing ones, it said in an email. Imax, which has about 700 theaters in China, sees the possibility of expanding its network by more than 50% over the next three years, it added.