Kino adds world sales

German co. expanding operations, eyeing acquisitions

MUNICH -- Munich-based Kinowelt Media is setting up a world sales arm to add to its expanding operations and complement its core businesses of licensing, distribution, video and production.

In its first phase, sales outfit Kinowelt Intl. will focus on Eastern Europe, where it is in the process of establishing theatrical distribution outlets and acquiring rights.

The company also is looking into acquiring another world sales operation, through which it would venture into sales in other territories.

Hitting the stock exchange in May last year, Kinowelt has expanded through the acquisition of other companies and a number of film and video libraries. Last year it was Germany's leading local distributor.