IMAX China Holding

IMAX China Holding Inc. was established in 2011 as a subsidiary of the Canadian IMAX Corporation to oversee operations in Greater China. The first IMAX theater in China opened in 2001 in a museum setting, with the first commercial multiplex location debuting in 2007. The company went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on October 8, 2015, offering 62 million shares and raising between HKD 1.848 billion and HKD 2.139 billion. Key investors included Fangyuan Capital, China Media Capital, TCL, China Asset Management, Davidson Funds, Hutchin Hill Capital Primary Fund, and Myriad Opportunities Master Fund. On its first trading day, shares closed at HKD 32, a 10.5% premium above the IPO price.

IMAX China operates 809 theaters across mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau, making it IMAX Corporation's largest market globally, with over 40% of IMAX's total screens located in Greater China. The company is the exclusive licensee of the IMAX brand and technology and the sole platform for IMAX format film releases in Greater China. Revenue splits into two segments: approximately 36% from content solutions (box office revenue sharing from films converted to IMAX format) and 63% from technology products and services (installing theater systems, maintenance contracts, and upgrading existing screens). IMAX China does not own the theater locations except for one, it sells or leases IMAX Systems to exhibitor customers along with trademark licenses and ongoing maintenance services.

In July 2023, IMAX Corporation announced plans to acquire full ownership of IMAX China through a take-private deal valued at $124 million, offering approximately HK$10 per share in cash, a 49% premium to the 30-trading day average closing price. Upon completion, IMAX Corporation will own 100% of IMAX China. CEO Rich Gelfond stated the deal "unlocks significant financial benefits for IMAX while offering IMAX China investors a meaningful premium." In 2025, the Chinese film Ne Zha 2 became the highest-grossing IMAX release ever in China at $161 million, contributing to the highest-grossing Chinese New Year in company history. [edit]