UK’s largest cinema operator suffers admissions fall

The UK’s largest cinema operator Cineworld will look to a higher calibre film roster in the second half of the year when it unveils under-pressure box office admissions on Thursday.

The group, which has 79 cinemas and 811 screens, reported a drop in admissions for the first six months of 2012 but it was able to boost revenues by hiking prices. This is expected to help lift pre-tax profits by 10% to £13.6 million for the six months to June, but the group is expected to reveal lacklustre trading in July.