THE operator of big-screen movie theaters will add 40 more locations in China under an agreement with longtime partner CGV Holdings Ltd., its latest expansion in the world’s No. 2 movie market.

Most will feature Imax’s new laser-projection technology, and most will be located in major and midsize cities, the companies said. They didn’t disclose financial details, but Imax won’t have to make a capital commitment for screens planned in smaller markets.

Ticket sales at Imax’s 600-plus theaters in China are up 26 percent this year. That’s despite a 5 percent drop in total ticket sales in the country, according to Variety.

The company credits its bigger screens, and mix of Hollywood blockbusters and local-language films, along with marketing efforts in recent years. So far, it hasn’t been hurt the trade tensions.

“Contrary to the bearish view on China, we have been doing really well in China,” Imax chief executive Rich Gelfond said in an interview.

China is expected to pass the U.S. and become the world’s largest movie market at some point.

Imax plans an additional 300 theaters in China, with CGV’s share of the company’s network expected to increase to 15 percent from 10 percent.

(SD-Agencies)