IMAX Explores Potential Sale After Record Box Office Year

CNBC reported Thursday that IMAX sale talks have begun through intermediaries, with a source close to the company confirming early-stage conversations have taken place. No formal pitches have been launched by the company itself.

The disclosure sent IMAX shares climbing roughly 10% in after-hours trading on Thursday evening.

Bankers Quietly Gauge the Market

According to the source, who spoke to CNBC anonymously given the sensitivity of the discussions, the company’s longtime banking relationships periodically probe for potential buyer interest. The Wall Street Journal first surfaced the story earlier Thursday.

The conversations remain at an embryonic stage. No structured sale process has been officially initiated, and the company has not formally retained advisers for a transaction, the source indicated.

CEO Had Already Floated the Idea

CEO Rich Gelfond signaled openness to a deal months before these reports emerged. At IMAX’s investor day last December, Gelfond told shareholders the company could deliver strong returns either as a standalone public entity or as part of a larger organization with the resources to accelerate its global expansion.

Gelfond recently returned to his role after a temporary medical leave during which he was treated for pneumonia.

A Business at Peak Momentum

The timing of any potential deal would come as IMAX’s underlying business has never been stronger. The company generated a record $1.28 billion at the global box office in 2025, surpassing its prior 2019 peak by 13% and marking a more than 40% jump from 2024.

The broader premium large format market is also expanding rapidly. PLF screens captured 16.3% of domestic tickets sold in 2025, with average ticket prices near $16.88. That compares to roughly 14% of tickets sold in 2021 at an average closer to $15.42, according to figures from industry tracker EntTelligence.

What Could Drive a Deal

The convergence of strong consumer appetite for premium in-theater experiences and IMAX’s unmatched brand positioning makes the company an attractive asset for media conglomerates, private equity, or technology platforms seeking live-experience revenue streams.

Any acquirer would be buying into a business with demonstrable pricing power and growing global screen penetration. Whether preliminary conversations advance into a formal process will likely depend on valuation expectations and strategic fit for potential counterparties.

IMAX has not issued an official comment on the reported discussions.

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