IMAX China
2023
Why
Acquired remaining minority interest for full ownership.
IMAX Corporation
Entertainment Technology and ExhibitionFounded 1967- HQ today: Mississauga, Ontario and New York, NY
Reviewed by Swet Parvadiya
Company data updated: October 2026
Acquisitions
IMAX Acquisitions
5
Major Deals Covered
$42M
Disclosed Deal Value
What are IMAX's biggest acquisitions?
IMAX's largest disclosed acquisition here is SSIMWAVE for $21M in 2022. This page covers 5 major deals from 2022 to 2023, each with its price where disclosed and the reason behind it.
- Major deals covered
- 5
- Largest deal
- SSIMWAVE ($21M)
- First deal
- 2022
- Most recent
- 2023
| Company | Year | Price | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSIMWAVE | 2022 | $21.0M | IMAX acquired Waterloo, Ontario-based SSIMWAVE, a video-quality and compression software company, in 2022 for about $21 million to build a streaming technology business. |
| SSIMWAVE Inc. | 2022 | $21.0M | AI-driven video quality solutions for streaming. |
| IMAX China | 2023 | Undisclosed | Acquired remaining minority interest for full ownership. |
| David Keighley Productions | — | Undisclosed | Film remastering process (IMAX DMR). |
| Sonics Associates | — | Undisclosed | Sound technology. |
- What companies has IMAX bought?
- Major acquisitions by IMAX documented here include SSIMWAVE (2022), SSIMWAVE Inc. (2022), IMAX China (2023), David Keighley Productions and Sonics Associates.
- What is IMAX's most recent acquisition?
- The most recent IMAX acquisition documented here is IMAX China, in 2023.
SSIMWAVE
2022
$21M
Why
IMAX acquired Waterloo, Ontario-based SSIMWAVE, a video-quality and compression software company, in 2022 for about $21 million to build a streaming technology business.
SSIMWAVE Inc.
2022
$21M
Why
AI-driven video quality solutions for streaming.
David Keighley Productions
Why
Film remastering process (IMAX DMR).
Sonics Associates
Why
Sound technology.
IMAX Corporation's Growth & Acquisition Strategy
IMAX is growing on four fronts: expanding the network (1,809 commercial multiplex systems at June 30, 2026, up from 1,750 a year earlier), converting more installs to sales arrangements, widening its slate with local-language films from China, India, Japan, and Europe, and adding alternative content such as concerts and live events under IMAX Live. It is also backing more 'Filmed for IMAX' productions to deepen exclusivity with filmmakers.
How IMAX Corporation Makes Money
IMAX runs a B2B technology and licensing model with two main segments. Technology Products and Services ($251.3 million in FY2025) covers sales, sales-type leases, and hybrid or joint revenue-sharing arrangements for IMAX systems, plus maintenance and after-market sales. Under joint revenue-sharing deals IMAX funds much of the equipment and takes a share of that screen's box office. Content Solutions ($151.3 million in FY2025) covers Digital Media Remastering (DMR) fees paid by studios as a share of IMAX box office, film distribution, post-production, and camera rental for 'Filmed for IMAX' productions. A small 'All Other' bucket ($7.7 million) includes streaming technology such as SSIMWAVE software and IMAX Enhanced licensing.
IMAX Acquisitions FAQ
What was the landmark 1994 acquisition of IMAX by Richard Gelfond and Brad Wechsler?
In 1994 an investor group led by Richard Gelfond and Bradley Wechsler bought IMAX from its founders and took it public later that year on NASDAQ.
Why did IMAX acquire video quality optimization software company SSIMWAVE in 2022?
IMAX acquired Waterloo, Ontario-based SSIMWAVE in 2022 for about $21 million, adding video-quality and compression software for streaming providers.
What was the acquisition of Ridefilm Corporation by IMAX in 1995?
In 1995, IMAX acquired Ridefilm Corporation (founded by special effects pioneer Douglas Trumbull), developing dynamic motion-simulator thrill rides integrated with high-frame-rate giant-screen projection for theme parks and casinos.
How did IMAX acquire Sonics Associates to master theatrical sound design?
In 1999, IMAX acquired Birmingham, Alabama-based Sonics Associates (which had designed IMAX sound systems since 1971), fully internalizing proprietary multi-channel digital audio engineering and custom loudspeaker manufacturing.
How does IMAX partner with optical and camera manufacturers like ARRI, Sony, and RED?
Rather than outright acquiring camera companies, IMAX partners with ARRI, Sony, and RED to co-engineer custom camera sensors, optical firmware, and color science certified under the 'Filmed for IMAX' banner.
What companies has IMAX acquired?
Historically, IMAX rarely executes acquisitions, relying on internal R&D. However, in 2022, they executed a highly strategic $21 million acquisition of SSIMWAVE (a massive AI-driven video quality tech company). This allows IMAX to expand beyond physical theaters and sell highly advanced video-optimization software directly to major streaming services like Disney+.
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