CANAL+ enters exclusive negotiations to acquire a minority stake In UGC

CANAL+ group and UGC have entered into exclusive negotiations regarding CANAL+ group's acquisition of a minority (34%) stake in the historic French cinema company, UGC. Following this acquisition, CANAL+ would have the option to take full control of UGC from 2028, with the agreement of UGC's shareholders.

UGC is a major French cinema and audiovisual production group with one of France's strongest cinema chains, content libraries, and talent networks. It operates 55 theaters (48 in France and 7 in Belgium), including the UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles in Paris, which is 'the most visited cinema in the world.' UGC's content library includes popular comedies and successful franchises like "Qu'est ce qu'on a fait au bon Dieu" - also known as "Serial (bad) Weddings" - as well as the iconic film "Amélie". Its television series include the global hits "HPI" - or "High Potential" - and "Soleil Noir" - also known as "Under a Dark Sun".

CANAL+ is a global media powerhouse with nearly 27 million subscribers across 52 countries. Its in-house studio, STUDIOCANAL, is a leading European film and TV studio that produces and distributes around 200 films worldwide. STUDIOCANAL owns one of the most prestigious film catalogs in the world, which includes renowned intellectual properties like "Paddington" and "Bridget Jones".

The signing of this proposed transaction is subject to the information and consultation of employees' representative bodies, if applicable.

Maxime Saada, Chief Executive Officer of CANAL+, commented on the potential transaction: "Since its creation in 1984, CANAL+ has been the number one partner and supporter of French and European cinema. UGC has 'built a remarkable network of theatres, an exceptional library of content and outstanding IP.' Saada also said that combining with UGC would allow CANAL+ to 'accelerate' the growth of its STUDIOCANAL division, and that the deal 'demonstrates the group's commitment to Cinema and theatrical exhibition, which play a vital role in showcasing and enhancing the value of films," stated.