US: Justice Dept asks AMC for documents In theatre antitrust probe

Reports that the Justice Department has requested that the movie theater company turn over documents related to an antitrust review of the theater industry aired Monday.

DOJ authorities are looking into whether or not three large theater chains, AMC, Regal Entertainment (RGC), and Cinemark (CNK) have been abusing their market power by keeping smaller, independent rival theaters from receiving big name movie releases, The Hollywood Reporter says.

The DOJ has has submitted a request for “the production of documents and answers to interrogatories concerning potentially anticompetitive conduct, including film clearances and participation in certain joint ventures,” AMC said.

“We do not believe the company has violated federal or state antitrust laws and are cooperating with the relevant governmental authorities. However, we cannot predict the ultimate scope, duration or outcome of these investigations,” AMC continued.

Full content: The Wall Street Journal

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