Russian exhibitor Karo Film Management has agreed a deal for up to three digital IMAX theatre systems in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The first system will be installed in Moscow in January 2011, followed by one in St. Petersburg in April 2011. The exhibitor also has the option to install a third system at a later date in either city.

Founded in 1997, Karo Film opened Russia’s first multiplex in 2001 and has subsequently grown its fleet to 32.

Today’s announcement brings the total number of IMAX theatres scheduled to be operating in Russia and the CIS by 2012 to 32.

The Russia and CIS region is IMAX’s third largest market behind the US and China.