By Ben Fritz
Walt Disney Co. (DIS) has resolved a dispute with the nation's
second-largest cinema chain, AMC Theatres, allowing fans to buy
advance tickets for next week's "Iron Man 3" at the chain.
On Thursday, the two companies reached a deal over how they
would split revenues on upcoming movies, people close to the
situation said. Terms were not immediately available.
About two weeks ago, Disney sent a letter to theater owners
requesting a 3 percentage point increase in the share of box office
that it collects, said a knowledgeable person in the movie theater
industry. The studio was apparently emboldened by the strength of
its franchises such as the Marvel super-heroes and the upcoming
relaunch of "Star Wars."
A number of theater chains, including AMC, objected and refused
to sell tickets to "Iron Man 3," which opens May 3.
Regal Entertainment (RGC), the nation's largest chain, and
Cinemark Holdings (CNK), the third-largest, have yet to reach
agreements with Disney.
Representatives for Disney did not respond to a request for
comment, nor did AMC's chief executive, Gerry Lopez.
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