ODEON is the largest cinema chain in the UK, with over one hundred cinemas. ODEON entertain more people in the UK than any other cinema chain, accounting for nearly a third of all tickets sold in the UK.

Founded in 1930 by Oscar Deutsch, ODEON was acquired in 1941 by J Arthur Rank who had interests in film production and distribution. ODEON remained a part of The Rank Organisation for a further 58 years. An extensive re-branding campaign in 1998 further reinforced ODEON's position as market leader in the UK and introduced 'Fanatical About Film' to the UK cinema-goer. The re-branding and refurbishment campaign culminated in the £3million upgrade of the flagship cinema, the ODEON Leicester Square.

Having changed hands several times since 2000, ODEON was re-branded and merged with Cinven's ABC Cinema chain, before being sold to a consortium of investors early in 2003.

More recently, private equity firm Terra Firma acquired ODEON in September 2004, and United Cinemas International in October 2004. Terra Firma, together with its predecessor organisation have invested about £4billion in a variety of businesses across Europe over recent years.

As a result, ODEON is looking forward to an exciting period of development, during which it will continue to build on its unique position as the UK's number one cinema chain. In recent years, ODEON's offering has expanded beyond cinema to include private venue hire and corporate conferencing opportunities, as well as a home DVD rental service and wide ranging offers for guests of all ages.