By COOPER SLOUGH
Hays Post

AMC Theatres, an entertainment company based in Leawood, announced in a corporate news release Tuesday plans to acquire privately owned Starplex Cinemas. The deal, estimated at $172 million, will put 380 theaters and 5,300 total screens under the AMC umbrella.

Starplex Cinemas operate three theaters in Kansas, with locations in Hays, Salina and Pittsburg. The Hays Starplex is located inside the Hays Mall, 2918 Vine.

“Starplex and AMC have a shared vision to provide a quality guest experience, even more of our guests will now benefit from recliner (seats) and other great amenities,” said Steve Holmes, CEO of Starplex Cinemas.

Hays Post contacted local, regional and corporate management, all of which declined to comment.

AMC said the transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

Click HERE for the entire news release.