Egmont Group’s Nordisk Film now the second-largest cinema operator in Nordic region with over 29,000 cinema seats

In April 2013 the ink drying on the contract for Oslo Kino marked one of the biggest investments in Egmont’s history. Nordisk Film suddenly became the second-largest cinema operator in the Nordic region and, with a total of over 29,000 cinema seats, a market leader in both Denmark and Norway.

Copenhagen, Denmark, 14-11-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — When the two large cinema chains merge, their employees on both sides of the Skagerrak will gain opportunities to learn from each other. Oslo Kino has made great progress in automating and digitising many processes, and its Danish colleagues can certainly pick up a trick or two from them. On the other hand, Denmark has made more headway in service concept development and training, so this is an area where Danish colleagues can offer inspiration in return.

‘The Nordic market is already Egmont’s and Nordisk Film’s local market, so that is the one we understand best. The Norwegian cultural landscape is in many ways resembles Denmark’s. The range of films is largely the same – with a considerable emphasis on local titles in both Norway and Denmark – and the guests like to be treated in the same way. There are relatively few practical and cultural differences.’ says General Manager John Tønnes.

As part of the integration between Danish and Norwegian cinemas an analysis of cinema operations in both countries has been launched to identify best practice in both countries. The analysis will probe all aspects of the cinema business, including investment policy and plans, technology choices, internal procedures and processes, guest services, ‘good hospitality’, employee development and sales concepts. The aim is to raise the bar and introduce best practice and target management in both countries.

New owner – same workday

After the acquisition of Oslo Kino the 300 employees have noticed little difference in their working days under the new ownership. The Norwegian cinemas are still run locally, with a strong Oslo-based Norwegian management and highly qualified local cinema managers in each cinema. The range of films is still decided in Norway, and this will not change even as the Norwegian and Danish cinemas move into a time of exciting development and higher investment.

The primary changes resulting from the acquisition are at the executive level. The overall purpose of the joint Nordic management team established in August 2013 is to safeguard and develop all aspects of the cinema business, with the focus on guests, customers and the market in general. The cinemas must work together effectively and closely across the cinema organisation and suitably in line with Nordisk Film and Egmont. ‘As a secondary target we have focused on providing a good organisational platform for efficient operations, driving fast technological and systems development, setting clear priorities for growth opportunities in both countries and increasing mobility and dynamism within the organisation,’ Tønnes explains.

The ultimate goal is to position Nordisk Film’s cinemas among the top 10 European cinemas chains, the initial focus is on getting the acquisition of Oslo Kino to function and grow within the existing framework – the framework that we consumers recognise as the calm and space for big emotions in the enfolding darkness of the cinema.

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Egmont Group’s Nordisk Film now the second-largest cinema operator in Nordic region with over 29,000 cinema seats