Troubled film group Vue International is considering a London Stock Exchange listing to boost its growth

Embattled film group Vue International is considering a London stock market listing, which would be a major boost for the sector.

Chief Executive Tim Richards said he was looking at “all opportunities” for the British group, which could include an initial public offering (IPO).

Vue has struggled as it faces a slow recovery from the pandemic, which has been exacerbated by the Hollywood actors and writers strike.

Europe’s largest independent cinema operator carried out a debt restructuring in January, its second in less than 18 months.

But Richards said he was now “in very good shape” and was focused on “rebuilding and laying the foundations for the future”.

Asked whether this would mean a UK listing within the next two years, he said: “We will look at all opportunities strategically, which would include a flotation.”

But he added: “Business needs to wait until it gets back to normal before deciding to take the next step.”

The company, which employs more than 8,000 people, anticipates the move could take place in 2025.

The industry was thrown into crisis during the pandemic when it was forced to close its doors and lay off thousands of people.

And just as the theater chain was getting back on track, it was hit by the actors and writers strike, organized by members of the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

This brought production to a virtual standstill, delaying many major films until 2025 and 2026 instead of this year.

Richards said 35 percent fewer films were released in 2022 than before the pandemic and a fifth fewer in 2023.

This compares to the period between 2017 and 2019, when three consecutive global box office records were set.

This summer, major releases include Despicable Me 4 and A Quiet Place: Day One.

Richards’ comments came on the same day that its larger rival, Cineworld, was drawing up plans to axe dozens of cinemas as part of a radical restructuring.

The group is considering closing about a quarter of its roughly 100 UK sites, according to Sky News.

The company was delisted from the London Stock Exchange last August after concerns grew over its share price.

Cineworld said yesterday: “We continue to review our options but do not comment on rumours or speculation.”

Across the Atlantic, Odeon Cinema owner AMC Theatres has also seen its share price plummet amid poor box office takings. The stock has plunged by almost 90% in the past year.