Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect an Alamo Drafthouse spokesperson's response to an inquiry by the Hauxeda.
Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, an Austin, Texas-based movie theater chain with 35 locations, according to a June 12 Sony Pictures press release.
Sony Pictures has established a new division, Sony Pictures Experiences, that will manage Alamo Drafthouse, according to the release. Alamo will continue to operate all of its 35 cinemas spread across 25 metro areas. The Alamo-owned genre film festival, Fantastic Fest, is included in the buyout.
“We are beyond thrilled to join forces with Sony Pictures Entertainment to expand our company vision to be the best damn cinema that has ever, or will ever, exist now in ways we could only ever dream of,” Tim League, the founder of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, said in the release.
Alamo Drafthouse Springfield, located at 4005 South Ave., opened in 2017 and features 14 auditoriums and is capable of seating more than 1,000 guests, according to the company website.
Jen Johnmeyer, Missouri Director of Communications for Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, wrote in an email to the Hauxeda that the Sony Pictures acquisition would have little impact on the Springfield theater.
“Independent franchisees such as ours in Springfield are not a part of the acquisition,” Johnmeyer wrote in the email. “We are excited about the news and opportunities it may bring, but our operations will be unaffected. We look forward to continuing to deliver a great experience to our community in Springfield and southwest Missouri.”
Sony Pictures acquired Alamo from Altamont Capital Partners, Fortress Investment Group and from League, according to the release. The company did not disclose the financial terms of the acquisition in the release.
