Blockbuster deal: Cineworld takeover of Regal creates film giant

Cineworld has struck a £2.7 billion deal to buy US chain Regal in a move that will create the second biggest cinema group in the world. The combined group will have more than 9,500 screens across ten countries and will see Cineworld enter the lucrative US market. Cineworld, which confirmed the takeover talks last week, has agreed to pay $23 a share for Regal, which it will fund largely through a £1.7bn investor cash-call. Cineworld has been buoyed this year by blockbusters Dunkirk (above) and Despicable Me 3.