Canal+ (Vivendi): joint venture with Telecom Italia to manage the acquisition of sports rights

The French group Canal+ (owned by Vivendi) have formalised the creation of a joint venture with Telecom Italia (in which Vivendi holds a minority stake) focused on the acquisition of rights and the production of films and series, on 20/10/2017. Owned 60% by Telecom Italia and 40% by Canal+, the venture will be responsible for Italian and international productions, as well as co-productions. It will also manage the acquisition of sports rights.

The objective is to support Telecom Italia "in the development of a unique pay-TV offer in Italy, linear and non-linear (videos on demand and catch-up)", and to support the convergence strategy of the group by helping it to develop its fixed and mobile broadband networks, according to Canal+.

The partnership will also contribute to "boosting an already wide range of films and television series, including Canal+'s original creations and Studio Canal's in-house productions, with strong international potential."

"A big step forward in the convergence strategy between telecom and media" (A. Genish, TIM, 20/10/2017)

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