Pacific Theatres Exhibition Corp. has entered into an agreement to sell 15 of its 29 theaters as it divests its operations outside the Los Angeles area, the company announced Tuesday.

Reading International Inc., a Commerce-based theater operator, agreed to buy the leasehold interests in 15 theaters operated by Pacific Theatres and its affiliate for $72 million. The theaters have 181 screens and generated revenue of about $81 million last year, according to the joint press released issued by the two companies.

Reading International, owns more than 40 theaters in Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. which operate under the Reading, Berkeley, Rialto and other names, according to Hoover’s.

Shares in Reading International were up 1.5 percent, or 15 cents, to $10 in afternoon trading Tuesday on the American Stock Exchange.