The consolidation of the UK exhibition industry continuedapace last week as Vue Entertainment announced its acquisition of the SterCentury UK & Ireland circuit, comprising seven cinemas.

The combined circuit will have 49 multiplexes with 496screens.

Tim Richards, CEO of Vue said: "These high qualitycinemas perfectly complement Vue's current circuit of 42 cinemas which isthe most modern in the country. The expanded Vue circuit will have over 90% ofits screens equipped with modern stadium seating, the highest proportion of anymajor circuit in the UK."

The Ster Century Cinemas purchased by Vue Entertainment arein Dublin, Norwich, Romford, Edinburgh, Leeds, Basingstoke and Cardiff.

Vue said that the rebranding of the cinemas is expected totake 10-12 weeks to complete.