Cineworld Group

Cineworld's September 2022 bankruptcy collapsed the world's second-largest cinema chain. The UK company had acquired Regal Entertainment in 2018 for $3.6 billion, loading debt just before COVID devastated theatrical exhibition. When streaming accelerated during lockdowns and studios shortened theatrical windows, Cineworld couldn't service its $8.9 billion debt. The company emerged from bankruptcy in 2023 with creditors controlling equity, but cinema faces permanent structural challenges from home viewing preferences.