China's privately-held Dalian Wanda Group is in discussions to purchase a European chain of movie theaters, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.

Dalian Wanda has shown interest in purchasing UK-based chains, Odeon & UCI Cinemas Holdings and Vue Entertainment, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the situation.

A Wanda spokesman said the firm has held talks to buy a European movie theatre chain, but declined to elaborate.

The ambitious Wanda Group became the world's biggest movie theatre owner last year with the $2.6 billion acquisition of U.S. multiplex operator AMC Entertainment Inc.

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