Famous News (Nov-Dec 1981)

Spotlight on our partnership with Maritime Theatres Limited Famous Players has several partnerships throughout Canada. In this issue Mr. William H. Richardson, Treasurer and a Director of Maritime Theatres Ltd., gives some insight into the history of our partnership with the Empire Company of Stellarton, Nova Scotia. The Sobey family owns and operates the Empire Company Limited which has a 50% interest in Maritime Theatres Limited. Frank Sobey, the father, is Chairman, and sons Donald President, Bill and David both Vice-Presidents. The Empire Company Limited is one of the largest companies of its kind in Canada. Empire, its subsidiaries, and associated companies employ approximately 5,000 people. With assets of $231 million, Empire holds substantial investments in various public Canadian companies including Provigo Limited, Dominion Textiles Limited, Jannock Limited, Wajax, Hannaford Bros., and Halifax Developments Limited. Sobeys, through the Empire Company holdings, have interests in many types of businesses. These include, as well as the motion picture industry in which they own 50% of Maritime Theatres Limited and 100% of Empire Theatres Limited, 70 supermarkets (Sobeys), in Atlantic Canada with some outlets in Eastern Quebec. They also own Lawton’s Drug Stores Limited with 42 stores in the Atlantic region. In the automobile business they have two dealerships, Chrysler and Volvo, and the franchise for Avis Rent-A-Car in a number of major cities and towns in the Maritime Provinces. They also are in the general insurance field through Empire Insurance Agency and have a substantial investment in Reandex Group of Vancouver, a Canadian insurance company. Empire is also William H. Richardson, Maritime Theatres Ltd. involved in a number of joint ventures in real estate, both in Canada and the United States. They have major shopping centres in all four Atlantic Provinces. These include Avalon Mall in St. John’s, Newfoundland and High Field Square in Moncton, New Brunswick. As well, they have a substantial financial interest in Halifax Developments Limited which owns Scotia Square, Barrington Place, The Commerce Court and the Royal Bank Head Office building in Halifax. Maritime Theatres and Famous Players have been partners since 1967. They now operate 35 screens throughout the Atlantic Provinces and employ approximately 300 people in the area. In addition, Empire Theatres operates 17 screens and employs approximately 100 people. Bill Richardson represents the partnership and makes all corporate decisions relating to the theatres, in conjunction with Famous’ executives. Major decisions such as new theatre construction, etc., are made jointly among Don Sobey, Bill Richardson and Famous Players’ executive. Overall, the operating and employment policies of Famous _ Players apply to Maritime Theatres. Famous Players and the Sobey family became partners in ’67 when they acquired Newfoundland Amusements Limited. Subsequently, in 1969 the Empire Company purchased a 50% interest in F.G. Spencer Company Limited and Charlotte Theatres Limited which were then 50% owned by Famous Players Limited. In 1979 Newfoundland Amusements, F.G. Spencer Company Limited and Charlottetown Theatres Limited were merged into Maritime Theatres Limited. In mentioning some of the benefits of the partnership with Famous, Bill says it is logical to go with the ‘best’ if you’re going to be in the theatre business! ‘‘We’re local’’, he says, ‘‘so are aware of what developments are going on in the area. This, tied in with Famous’ knowledge of the theatre business, makes for a successful operation.’’ Alan Bell, Famous Players VicePresident and General Manager for the Maritimes, is the operating head for Maritime Theatres on a day-today basis. ‘‘He ensures our theatres are operated on the high standard established by Famous Players,’’ Bill adds. Pat McIntyre, also of Famous, does the booking for the theatres and Debbie Capstick does the secretarial work required by management. ‘‘It is one happy family thanks to the efficient management provided by Alan and Pat,”’ according to Bill Richardson. & November/ December, 1981 3