Palace Cinemas (Central Europe)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cinema chain |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Fate | Purchased by Cinema City on 20 January 2011 |
Area served | Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary |
| Owner | Argus Capital Partners (wholly owned before sale) |
Palace Cinemas was a multiplex cinema chain managing 22 locations with a total of 185 screens throughout the Czech Republic (8 venues), Slovakia (3 venues), and Hungary (11 venues). Originally established as a joint venture with United Cinemas International (UCI), it eventually became wholly owned by Argus Capital Partners. On 20 January 2011, Palace Cinemas was purchased by Cinema City for $38 million.
Established in 1999 by two seasoned media entrepreneurs, Palace expanded to become a regional frontrunner by creating premium venues and strengthening its market position through significant acquisitions in 2002, 2005, and 2006.
In Slovakia, Palace managed multiplexes located in Bratislava’s Aupark Shopping Center (12 screens), Polus City Center (8 screens), and Eurovea Galleria (9 screens). These properties were transferred to Cinema City in 2011.
The Cinema City Aupark location, previously Palace Cinemas’ largest site in Slovakia by seating capacity with 2,338 seats, includes 12 auditoriums equipped with digital projection and 3D capabilities utilizing MasterImage technology.