ODEON Cinemas Group UK Tax Strategy
Year Ending 31 December 2023
In accordance with paragraph 19(2) Schedule 19 Finance Act 2016, this document reflects the UK tax strategy in place for the year to 31 December 2023. It was approved on 8 December 2023 by the boards of Odeon Cinemas Group Limited and AMC UK Holding Limited on behalf of those companies and their UK subsidiaries. AMC UK Holding Limited became the parent company of Odeon Cinemas Group Limited with effect from August 2019.
In this tax strategy document, “ODEON” means AMC UK Holding Limited, Odeon Cinemas Group Limited and all their subsidiaries.
About us
ODEON is Europe's leading cinema operator.
ODEON prides itself on being the destination of choice for film lovers, with an ongoing commitment to investing in cutting edge technology and comfort which create the ultimate cinema experience – from luxury seats to immersive screens with premium sight and sound, and impeccable guest service. In everything that we do, we make movies better.
Scope
This document sets out the strategic tax objectives of the companies within the ODEON sub group in the UK (“ODEON UK”), part of the group of companies owned by AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc, resident in the United States of America and listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The UK sub group has investments in a number of European jurisdictions which align to, but are not specifically covered by, this tax strategy. Please refer to the appendix for a list of UK companies covered at the time of publication.
In this tax strategy, references to ‘ODEON UK’ are references to all of the entities named in the appendix.
The UK tax strategy is set by the respective boards of directors for each of the entities in consultation with the UK and global tax teams and global leadership. The board of Odeon Cinemas Group Limited is ultimately responsible for the formulation and compliance with this tax strategy in the UK.
Risk management and governance in relation to tax
Tax policy forms an integral part of ODEON UK’s compliance and corporate governance. ODEON UK takes pride in operating a system of robust internal controls, including, but not limited to, those in respect of UK tax. We comply with all relevant legislation and are proactive in understanding new legislation and how it may impact us. Risks are continually monitored within the business and escalated to directors as necessary. The ultimate responsibility for decision making sits with the board of Odeon Cinemas Group Limited.
Management is responsible for tax matters within established corporate guidelines and policies. Day to day management of the UK tax affairs is delegated to appropriate personnel including the International Tax Manager, located in the UK, and the UK Finance Director.
There are organisational processes in place to ensure the responsibility to comply with this tax strategy is discharged.
All tax submissions are reviewed by appropriate personnel (as detailed above) and approved by senior finance personnel before filing with HMRC.
ODEON UK strives to continually improve processes and controls as opportunities arise.
Attitude to tax planning
In line with its corporate values, ODEON strives to act in a manner that upholds its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.
ODEON endeavors: to ensure the integrity of all reported tax numbers; to comply with all of its tax obligations under all relevant laws and regulations, including paying the correct amount of tax for all jurisdictions operated in; and to comply with all of its regulatory and non-regulatory obligations. The Group’s tax strategy uses treaty agreements and other mechanisms to effectively and efficiently manage our international taxes.
ODEON UK’s tax strategy is to manage its tax liability in an efficient and effective manner which aligns with the overall business strategy. In line with AMC, its parent company, ODEON’s philosophy is to provide clarity and transparency with tax authorities to reduce uncertainty.
Working in partnership, the directors and relevant employees ensure ODEON UK’s tax strategy is considered in all investments and significant business decisions. Management work closely with external professional advisors when dealing with an area of complexity or a new issue to ensure adherence to tax legislation at all times.
Level of acceptable tax risk
ODEON continues to maintain a conservative approach to taxes and tax planning, following all relevant UK and international tax laws. All investment decisions and transactions undertaken by ODEON UK are driven by commercial purposes and need, and tax strategies reflect this commercial rationale. ODEON does not undertake transactions for the sole purpose of realising tax savings. Tax positions are always operationally compatible and supported by tax advisors.
ODEON UK strives to ensure that all relevant colleagues are supported on tax matters to enable the business to achieve its commercial objectives. The International Tax Manager, alongside the global tax team, aims to be involved in all stages of material and tax sensitive transactions from scoping through to post implementation reviews. This includes both managing tax risk and making good investment decisions as appropriate with knowledge of all tax costs.
Relationship with HMRC
ODEON’s overriding principle is to maintain an open, collaborative and honest relationship in its dealings with all tax authorities in jurisdictions in which it operates.
ODEON UK has a strong, ongoing relationship with HMRC, maintaining a dialogue through regular meetings and communications in respect of developments in ODEON UK’s overall business, investments and tax strategy. This allows ODEON UK to be transparent with HMRC on current, future and past tax risks across all relevant taxes and duties. Where a tax issue arises, we seek to achieve early agreement with HMRC on our tax position.
ODEON UK acknowledges the responsibility associated with the operation of a large group of companies within the United Kingdom; and understands the need to ensure that its tax affairs are correct, appropriate and transparent.
Appendix- entities covered by this UK tax strategy from 1 January 2023 to the time of publication.
| Odeon Cinemas Group Limited |
| Odeon & UCI Cinemas Holdings Limited |
| United Cinemas International Acquisitions Limited |
| Odeon Cinemas Holdings Limited |
| Digital Cinema Media Limited |
| ABC Cinemas Limited |
| Bookit Limited |
| Odeon Cinemas Limited |
| Odeon Cinemas (RL) Limited |
| Odeon and Sky Filmworks Limited |
| United Cinemas International (UK) Limited |
| AMC Theatres of UK Limited |
| AMC UK Holding Limited |
| Odeon Finco PLC |