Barco Chosen by Empire Theatres to Complete Its 386-screen Deployment, Exclusively Deploying Barco 2K and 4K Projectors.


Empire Theatres, a partner in the Canadian Digital Cinema Partnership (CDCP) and the second largest exhibitor in Canada, continues to differentiate the theatre experience for its customers by selecting the brightest projectors in the world, and is expected to complete conversion of its sites by early 2012.

Rancho Cordova, California USA - 29 June 2011 - Digital cinema pioneer Barco announced the signings of a Supply Agreement and Support Agreement to complete the deployment of digital cinema systems for Empire Theatres, coinciding with the recent funding secured by the CDCP. In a deal totaling over $17 million, Empire will convert the remainder of its 386 auditoriums to digital utilizing the full breadth of Barco's industry-leading, DCI-compliant 2K and 4K projectors.

"Throughout our digital cinema deployment, Barco has proven its outstanding performance and reliability, both in terms of superior projector quality as well as conscientious service and support," commented Dean Leland, VP Studio Relations and Media for Empire Theatres. "Going in, our team performed a great amount of due diligence and we wanted the very best solution for Empire Theatres, which is why we chose Barco."

Barco will provide a variety of 2K and 4K projector systems from among its deep product line - the most extensive array of DCI-compliant digital cinema projectors on the market. This extensive suite of projectors allows Empire to perfectly match the right projector to the right-sized screen, maximizing both upfront and ongoing cost savings. All projectors incorporate Barco's proprietary and patented cooling designs, modular construction, sealed engines, Smart Power Systems and Diagnostic Companion, which contribute to Barco's lowest total cost of ownership in the industry.

"We are ecstatic to be expanding our digital cinema footprint in Canada with Empire Theatres and committed to continuing their rapid, smooth deployment," commented Danny Sergeant, VP Sales and Managing Director for Barco Canada. "We continue to strengthen our commitment to Canada, evidenced by the ongoing expansion of our dedicated Canadian Barco team, as well as a wide network of local parts depots across Canada, and 24/7/365 technical support. With this focus, we believe our growing installed base will benefit from 'projecting the magic' across the country."

The Canada-wide roll-out, which began in March of 2011, is expected to be completed by early 2012.

About Empire Theatres Limited

Empire Theatres Limited is a 100% owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited that owns and operates 51 theatres across Canada with 386 screens, including one IMAX theatre in Halifax, NS. The Empire Theatres Limited corporate headquarters are located in New Glasgow, NS, with regional offices in Halifax, NS; Toronto, ON; and Calgary, AB. With approximately 2,500 employees, Empire Theatres provides excellent employment opportunities for the youth of Canada in an exciting and energetic industry. For more information, visit www.empiretheatres.com.

About Barco

Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Barco (NYSE Euronext Brussels: BAR) is active in more than 90 countries with about 3,500 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of 897 million euro in 2010.the
For more information, please contact

JP Tanghe

Senior Vice President

Barco nv

Phone:+32 56/26 23 22

Fax:+32 56/26 22 62

jp.tanghe@barco.com

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