It was also facing a court battle from once-suitor Cineworld Group PLC, which backed out of a $2.18-billion deal to buy Cineplex in 2020, sparking a case predicated on whether Cineworld had the right to walk away. An Ontario court ruled in Cineplex's favour in December 2021, awarding the company $1.24 billion in damages, but Cineworld said it would appeal the judgment and Cineplex wanted to push for an even higher payout. U.K.-based Cineworld has since entered into a restructuring agreement with some of its lenders and filed a proposed Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. Cineplex has said it does not expect to recover any material amount. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 4, 2023.