Posted on: Saturday, October 2, 2004

Sale of Signature Theaters complete

Advertiser Staff

Regal Entertainment Group completed its $200 million purchase yesterday of 30 theaters from California-based Signature Theatres, including four theaters with 47 screens in Hawai'i.

The Knoxville, Tenn.-based company said it plans to install at the theaters its digital network allowing satellite delivery of advertising, concerts, educational events and business meetings.

Regal also will implement its Regal Crown Club customer loyalty program, which rewards members with free food and movies based on how much they spend at the theater.

Little else will change in the near future, said Regal spokesman Dick Westerling. "We really try to make these transitions as seamless as possible for movie-goers," he said.

Employees at the Dole Cannery, Pearl Highlands, Windward Mall and Keauhou Shopping Center theaters are being retained. Special movie passes will be honored.

Regal plans to convert Signature theaters in California to the Regal Cinemas brand, but said it must evaluate Signature's brand status in Hawai'i before deciding whether to change brands here. Regal also operates United Artists and Edwards Theatres brands.