An executive at a major Mexican cinema operator has been identified as a potential candidate to take over at Cineworld as it prepares to emerge from bankruptcy proceedings.

Sky News understands that Eduardo Acuna, who runs Cinepolis’s operations in the Americas, has been sounded out about taking over the British-based business.

It was unclear on Monday whether Mr Acuna was formally in the frame to take the job or how quickly Cineworld’s new owners – its syndicate of lenders – were seeking to make an appointment.

News of Mr Acuna’s potential candidacy comes days after Cineworld confirmed a Sky News report that it was filing to place its London-listed holding company into administration.

A new CEO will replace Mooky Greidinger, who helped to found the business but is expected to step down in the wake of its rebirth under a new holding company.

Under the plans agreed with lenders, more than $4.5bn (£3.5bn) of debt is being wiped out, with $800m of new equity injected into the business and a further $1.46bn (£1.2bn) of debt raised to support the company.

It has also announced the appointment of Eric Foss, a former Pepsi executive, as its new chairman.

Read more:
Cineworld prepares to file for administration
Cineworld ends plan to sell its UK, US and Ireland businesses

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Cineworld trades from 128 sites in the UK, employing thousands of people.

Its British cinema operations will not be impacted by the insolvency process for its holding company.

A Cineworld spokesman declined to comment on Monday.

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