Scandinavia's largest exhibitor SF Bio, has struck a deal with Krona Plc, to become an anchor tenant at the new Urban Entertainment Centre in Malmo, Sweden, where it plans to open a 14-screen multiplex.

The 2,000-seat cinema will go into construction June next year in time for a 2003 opening. Geographically the project is set to benefit from the Oresunds Bridge, set to open this summer, which will connect Malmo and southern Sweden with Denmark.

SF Bio CEO Jan Bernhardsson said: "This new project gives us an opportunity to offer the market and our visitor the very latest in cinema technology including digital projection, which will enhance the whole cinematic experience."

SF Bio had 8 million visitors and a turnover of $72m (SEK650m) in 1999, during which time it also entered the Norwegian market.