Cinema giant Vue picks finance chief ahead of potential float

Vue, Europe's largest cinema operator, will on Friday announce the appointment of a new finance chief as its owners pave the way for a strategic review which could lead to a stock market flotation.

Sky News has learnt that James McArthur, the former chief financial and transformation officer at HK Expeditions, the global expedition cruise company, will join the executive leadership team at Vue. His arrival will come as the shareholders who took control of the chain in a post-pandemic financial restructuring prepare to explore options for the business in the next 12 months.

Money blog: Football fans can be rejected from job if they support rival team While no decisions have been taken or a formal process initiated, banking sources believe Vue is likely to examine opportunities for a sale or stock market listing in 2026. The business was previously owned by the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) and Omers, two Canadian pension funds.

Mr McArthur will work alongside Tim Richards, Vue's founder and chief executive. The group now operates from more than 220 sites in eight countries, with close to 2,000 screens.

It is a major player in the UK, where it has benefited from the crisis that saw Cineworld plunged into insolvency proceedings. Vue has launched a premium large-format experience called EPIC, which features new vision and sound technologies and is designed to differentiate the company from rivals, which also include Odeon.

Read more:P&O Ferries hires new boss'Data affected' in Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack In a statement issued to Sky News, Mr Richards said: "With our expanding estate, growing slate and fast-paced programme of investments and innovations, [Mr McArthur's] experience and expertise come at the perfect time." Vue declined to comment on the possibility of a stock market listing or other form of transaction..