In a move that could change the dynamics of British theatre, Qdos Entertainment has acquired Hetherington Seelig Theatres (HST) and all its subsidiaries, with the companies merging into HQ Theatres Ltd. HQ was initially set up as a joint venture between Qdos and HST in 2006, and is now set to operate five venues: The Cliffs Pavilion, Southend; The Palace Theatre, Westcliff; The Swan Theatre, High Wycombe; The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon and The Beck Theatre, Hayes. In a related development, Qdos has also acquired the high-profile actors agency JLM within its Talent Division.
One of the largest entertainment groups in the UK, and the worlds largest producer of pantomimes, Qdos rapid growth in recent years has been expedited by a buy & build strategy, focusing on complementary businesses. Stephen Hetherington, Non-Executive Chairman for the HQ Theatres Board, said, Our [2006] joint venture with Qdos, HQ Theatres, has been so successful that it was obvious that our future lay in that partnership. Combining our skills and resources has produced a financially powerful company that is as much at home with the lightest of entertainment as with the heaviest of the arts. The company claims that the acquisitions will generate turnover of £50m and employ 500 staff.
Published: 08-10-2007