NCM Acquires Spotlight Cinema Networks To Expand Luxury Audience Reach

National CineMedia has moved to strengthen its position as the leading cinema advertising platform in the United States with the acquisition of Spotlight Cinema Networks, the country’s only cinema advertising company exclusively focused on art house, luxury and dine in theaters. The company, listed on NASDAQ as NCMI, announced that this strategic purchase will significantly expand the scale and diversity of its national network, bringing in new premium screens and high value audiences that advertisers increasingly seek.

Spotlight’s portfolio includes partnerships with notable exhibitors such as Cinépolis Luxury Cinema, Landmark Theatres, Flix Brewhouse and LOOK Dine In Cinemas. These venues cater to moviegoers who are not only culturally active but tend to engage more deeply with elevated in theater experiences. By incorporating these screens into its ecosystem, NCM gains access to a demographic that aligns well with luxury brands and premium advertisers. The acquisition also meaningfully extends NCM’s presence in two of the country’s most influential markets, New York and Los Angeles, where Spotlight’s footprint boosts NCM’s theater count by nearly a third. Overall, the transaction increases NCM’s national market share by roughly six percent.

Marketing Technology Insights: TVIQ Strengthens Leadership as Mission To Redefine the CTV Ecosystem Gains Momentum

Tom Lesinski, Chief Executive Officer of National CineMedia, described the acquisition as an important step in broadening the company’s appeal to advertisers seeking high quality audiences. “The acquisition of Spotlight Cinema Networks strengthens our network and expands access to luxury audiences, enhancing the value of our platform for premium advertisers,” he said. “With our differentiated targeting and measurement capabilities, we are well positioned to unlock the full value of Spotlight’s inventory, capture new revenue opportunities, and advance our leadership in the cinema advertising marketplace.”

Beyond expanding NCM’s footprint, the company expects the deal to deliver meaningful financial benefits. According to the announcement, NCM anticipates realizing the complete run rate synergies by 2026. The transaction is projected to be accretive on a pro forma basis and was executed at a purchase multiple of 4.5 times pro forma EBITDA. The company noted that this reflects its disciplined approach to capital deployment and its ongoing focus on sustained shareholder value. The acquisition also aligns with NCM’s broader long term strategy, which emphasizes selective investment, strategic expansion and strengthening the foundation for sustainable growth across a dynamic media landscape.

Marketing Technology Insights: BlipCut Debuts Free AI Voice Tool for Realistic Commercial Voices

As cinema advertising continues to evolve with new formats, advanced measurement and more precise audience targeting, NCM’s expanded network positions the company to offer advertisers deeper market penetration and stronger access to high spending, culturally engaged consumers.