Canal+ Acquires UGC Cinema Stake in Major European Film Industry Move

Canal+ Group has finalized a deal to buy a significant stake in UGC. The French media giant will acquire a 34 percent minority stake in the cinema chain. This agreement was signed on Thursday, confirming earlier exclusive negotiations.

The deal includes an option for Canal+ to take full control of UGC in 2028. This move underscores the company’s strong commitment to the cinema sector. According to Reuters, the transaction highlights a strategic expansion in the entertainment landscape.

Strategic Expansion and Content Library Growth

UGC brings more than just its physical theaters to the table. The company owns a high-quality content library and valuable intellectual property. This will significantly expand Studiocanal’s existing catalogue of over 9,400 titles.

The acquisition strengthens Canal+’s position in European film production and distribution. It creates a more vertically integrated entertainment powerhouse. This allows for greater control over content from production to theatrical release.

Broader Impact on the Global Media Market

This deal occurs alongside other major strategic moves by Canal+. The company recently completed its acquisition of African pay-TV giant MultiChoice. This integration has now officially commenced, creating a group with 40 million customers across 70 countries.

CEO Maxime Saada calls this a “transformational new era” for the business. The combined scale is expected to deliver significant synergies. Canal+ is also planning a secondary stock listing in Johannesburg to complement its London listing.

The UGC acquisition solidifies Canal+’s integrated media strategy in a competitive global landscape. This major European film industry move demonstrates a lasting belief in the power of cinema. The company is positioning itself as a dominant force in both content creation and distribution.

Info at your fingertips

What does Canal+ plan to do with UGC?

Canal+ has acquired a 34 percent stake with an option for full ownership in 2028. The company aims to integrate UGC’s cinema operations and content library. This expands Studiocanal’s vast film catalogue.

How large is the combined Canal+ and MultiChoice group?

The merged entity now serves 40 million customers across 70 countries. This provides significant scale in the global media market. The integration process is now underway.

What was a recent Studiocanal box office success?

The film “I Swear” recently became number one at the U.K. box office. It also set a record as the highest-rated film by U.K. cinema audiences. This demonstrates the strength of their content production.

How is Canal+ performing financially?

Revenue for the first nine months of 2025 reached €4.61 billion. This represented organic growth of 1.2 percent. The figures show a stable financial performance.

Why is Canal+ seeking a Johannesburg listing?

The secondary listing follows the acquisition of MultiChoice. It reflects the company’s expanded footprint in African markets. This provides a local presence for its significant subscriber base there.

Trusted Sources

Reuters