AMC Theatres, an entertainment company based in Leawood, announced in a corporate news release Tuesday plans to acquire privately owned Starplex Cinemas. The deal, estimated at $172 million, will put 380 theaters and 5,300 total screens under the AMC umbrella.

Starplex Cinemas operate three theaters in Kansas, with locations in Hays, Salina and Pittsburg. The Salina Starplex is located inside the Salina Central Mall, 2259 S. 9th.

“Starplex and AMC have a shared vision to provide a quality guest experience, even more of our guests will now benefit from recliner (seats) and other great amenities,” said Steve Holmes, CEO of Starplex Cinemas.

AMC said the transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

Click HERE for the entire news release.