Marjane Holding is making a bold move into the cinema business with plans to acquire a 60% stake in Pathé Californie Casablanca, an eight-screen multiplex located inside the Californie Mall shopping center. This partnership signals the Moroccan retail giant’s first foray into the movie exhibition sector, joining forces with long-standing industry player Pathé Cinémas, which will retain the remaining 40% of the venture.
Well-known as a powerhouse in Morocco’s retail landscape, Marjane Holding operates an expansive network of hypermarkets, supermarkets, and specialized stores offering household appliances and electronics. The group has also made significant investments in commercial real estate, driving the development of shopping malls across the country. Now, it’s branching into entertainment, leveraging its experience in retail and real estate to diversify its portfolio.
Pathé Cinémas brings a wealth of international experience to the table. As a seasoned cinema operator with a footprint across France, Belgium, Morocco, and Senegal, the company has already established a strong presence in Casablanca. Its local operation runs a high-traffic cinema complex in a rapidly growing residential district of the city, offering a well-tested model for success in the region.
With this joint venture, both companies are betting on the rising demand for premium entertainment experiences in Morocco’s urban centers. The new ownership structure not only strengthens Marjane’s strategic positioning but also allows Pathé Cinémas to deepen its roots in the Moroccan market through a local partnership.
