The buyout, led by Vue’s current chief executive Tim Richards, provides an exit for the incumbent private equity investors, Boston Ventures, Clarity Partners and Legal & General Ventures.

‘This is a landmark event for Vue Entertainment and is a goal that we have been working toward for some considerable time,’ rejoices Richards. ‘With the backing of our previous investors, we enjoyed exponential growth and are now in a strong position to take the business forward.’

Vue’s claims a 20 per cent share of the UK cinema market, making it the third biggest chain in the country, with 55 theatres, 544 screens and 126,351 seats.