Qatar-based media powerhouse completes acquisition of region’s leading film distributor and its Grand Cinemas chain.
February, 2013, Doha, Qatar: Continuing its mission to deliver exceptional media content globally, the Qatari group, Qatar Media Services (q.media), has completed the acquisition of Gulf Film and Grand Cinemas, the largest film distributor and cinema operator in the Middle East.
q.media is wholly owned by the Qatari government and was established in 2004 with a pioneering vision of providing the latest and most innovative advertising concepts to Qatar. Currently, q.media operates in seven international markets and in varying media sectors such as outdoor advertising, audio-visual communication channels and events management.
Founded in 1989, Gulf Film today distributes the lion’s share – an unequivocal 50% market share – of the Middle East’s movie releases; among its sources for the Gulf territories are Hollywood majors Paramount and Universal. Gulf Film also holds leading exhibitor status through its Grand Cinemas movie theatres, the region’s largest cinema chain with more than 136 screens and 60% of the UAE’s film exhibition market.
Yousif R. Al Khater, Group Chief Executive at q.media, commented on the acquisition: “Gulf Film is certainly a great addition to q.media’s growing media and entertainment service portfolio and we will surely utilize its unwavering market dominance to our benefit.”
“This is a great moment for q.media,” added Jaber Al Ansari, Chief Enterprise Management Officer at q.media. “Gulf Film is considered to be one of the biggest film distribution firms in the region and with its vast numbers of theaters it is a complete entertainment package.”
Selim El Azar, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Film, said, “Over the past years, the q.media name has resonated throughout the region and the world, having set a new standard in media delivery with integrity and excellence. For Gulf Film and Grand Cinemas, this acquisition further solidifies our leadership in the entertainment arena and bolsters our combined vision for an era of unprecedented growth throughout the Middle East.”
Gulf Film has promising expansion plans expected in the MENA region, including Qatar, where q.media is the dominant outdoor media service provider.
About Qatar Media Services W.L.L
q.media is a 100% Qatari company owned by the Qatari Government. q.media was established in 2004 with the vision to work in outdoor, audio and visual advertising, events and conferences and the film industry.
Whilst q.media has a healthy business portfolio within Qatar, it also owns a number of operations globally. These companies, covering numerous business sectors, include the largest film distributor and exhibitor in the Middle East, and a leader in the field of outdoor advertising, which operates throughout Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.
www.qmediame.com
About Gulf Film L.L.C
Established in 1989 and based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Gulf Film is the leading film distributor in the Middle East. Gulf Film sub-distributes Paramount and Universal titles for Four Star Films in the Gulf territories; is the Middle East distributor for Studio Canal, Europa Corp, IM Global, Relativity Media and Voltage to name a few; and in partnership with Eagle Films and Jaguar Film, distributes Lionsgate, Nu Image and Summit Entertainment titles. In 2000, Gulf Film further expanded its industry profile through the creation of an exhibition arm – Grand Cinemas, today the largest chain of cinemas in the region – and currently distributes and exhibits over 200 titles per annum. www.gulffilm.com
Samer Marzouq
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