Fortress Buys Curzon Cinemas After Loan Default

Curzon, the renowned British arthouse cinema chain, has been acquired by the US private equity firm Fortress Investment Group, which also owns brands like Majestic Wine and Poundstretcher. The acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, includes Curzon's 16 cinemas, its distribution arm, and streaming platform, securing over 350 jobs. Fortress's acquisition follows a court-mandated auction after former owner Charles Cohen defaulted on a multimillion-dollar loan from Fortress. Founded in 1934, Curzon has been pivotal in bringing international films to the UK and has expanded its presence with new venues in cities like London, Oxford, and Canterbury. Under Fortress, Curzon plans to expand its cinema footprint and continue distributing critically acclaimed films, ensuring its legacy in connecting independent films with UK audiences.