CINEWORLD – which runs Poole’s multiplex at Tower Park – expects to emerge from bankruptcy protection in the US but for any deal to wipe out shareholders.

It is thought that any rescue of the business will involve handing over control to creditors.

Cineworld’s cinemas – which include Picturehouse in the UK – are still open as usual during the bankruptcy proceedings.

On Friday, Cineworld said it had received a number of proposals for “some or all of the group’s business”.

“None of these proposals involves an all-cash bid for the entire business,” it added.

“The company is reviewing such proposals in conjunction with its advisers and key stakeholders and, whilst no decision has been made as to whether to pursue a sale transaction, and the terms of any such transaction remain uncertain, based on the proposals received to date, it is not expected that any sale transaction will provide any recovery for the holders of the company’s equity interests.”