Fortress Investment Group has acquired Curzon, a renowned UK arthouse film company, with the deal set to support the expansion of Curzon’s cinema and film distribution operations. The acquisition was announced today, further solidifying Curzon’s position as a key player in bringing independent and international films to UK audiences.
Curzon operates 16 cinemas across the UK, including its flagship West End venue, Curzon Soho, a celebrated location known for hosting Q&As, festival screenings, and documentary events. In addition to its cinema chain, Curzon runs Curzon Film, its distribution arm, and the Curzon Home Cinema streaming service, which allows film fans to watch a selection of titles at home.
“Curzon is an iconic film company, with global recognition for its long legacy of releasing and connecting independent and critically acclaimed films to UK audiences,” said Allison Swayze, Managing Director at Fortress. “We’re pleased to acquire Curzon and bring our support to the company’s dedicated team. This acquisition ensures the jobs of over 350 employees and secures Curzon’s future as it continues to bring both independent and blockbuster films to cinema-goers and home viewers alike.”
Founded in 1934, Curzon has been at the forefront of the UK film industry, pioneering the introduction of foreign language films to UK audiences. The company expanded over the decades, and in 2006, it merged with the film distribution company Artificial Eye, which helped broaden its reach and reputation in the film industry.
Curzon’s recent growth has included the opening of new locations in Hoxton, Camden, Kingston-upon-Thames, and Canterbury. It now operates cinemas across London and other parts of the UK, continuing its legacy of screening the best in independent cinema. In the past year, Curzon Film achieved significant success with releases such as Kneecap, a film developed by Curzon in partnership with Wildcard Distribution. The film grossed over £2 million at the UK and Ireland box office and garnered 14 nominations from the British Independent Film Awards.
Curzon also had a successful year with the release of La Chimera, which grossed more than £930,000, including a notable 18-week run at Curzon Bloomsbury. Upcoming releases include Flow and Julie Keeps Quiet, both of which have been selected to represent Latvia and Belgium respectively at the Oscars.
The company’s streaming service, Curzon Home Cinema, launched in 2010, has become a popular platform for film lovers, offering a variety of titles across multiple streaming platforms. The service continues to attract viewers who want access to exclusive, independent films from the comfort of their own homes.
This latest acquisition by Fortress Investment Group is set to help Curzon expand further, with plans to grow its cinema footprint and deliver a slate of exciting film releases in the near future. The deal ensures that Curzon remains an integral part of the UK film industry, continuing to champion independent cinema and offer audiences a diverse range of films both on the big screen and at home. For more information, please visit www.curzon.com.
