CINEWORLD is the second largest cinema chain in the UK and so it is not unexpected that some people fear the Phoenix will lose some of the inidiviuality that makes it such an icon.
Large operators swallowing up niche operations can often lead to the loss of personality, after all.
Conversely though, we should also look at the other side of the acquisition deal announced yesterday.
Cineworld is the second-largest operator in the market so will no doubt know what it is doing. Having spent £47.3m to buy the Picturehouse chain, you would expect it recognises what it is actually purchasing and do its best to cherish and grow its new assets by building on what they have done best.
It would be contrary to any business sense for Cineworld to fail to recognise the Phoenix is doing pretty well to be on the cusp of celebrating its 100th anniversary next year.
With a city institution like this, the company will surely recognise it is more a custodian than just an owner.
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