Home / Business and Economy / Canal+ Expands European Cinema Presence with UGC Stake Acquisition
Canal+ Expands European Cinema Presence with UGC Stake Acquisition
16 Oct
Summary
- Canal+ buys 34% stake in French cinema operator UGC
- UGC's content library to supplement Canal+'s 9,400 titles
- Canal+ to take on secondary listing on Johannesburg Stock Exchange
As of October 16th, 2025, the European media giant Canal+ has made a significant move to expand its foothold in the French and European cinema industry. The company has acquired a 34% stake in the French cinema operator UGC, with the option to build a controlling stake by 2028.
The agreement with UGC is seen as a "long-term commitment to French and European cinema and theatrical exhibition," according to Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada. This strategic investment will allow Canal+ to supplement its existing content library of 9,400 titles with UGC's sizable collection, further strengthening its position in the entertainment market.
Alongside the UGC deal, Canal+ has also announced plans for a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). This move comes as the company finalizes its takeover of South Africa-based MultiChoice, a deal that will see Canal+ owning 94.39% of the shares, with an option to acquire the remaining stake.
Once the MultiChoice acquisition is complete, the company will delist from the JSE, and the secondary listing will provide MultiChoice shareholders better access to the African operation under the Canal+ banner.
The financial details of the UGC agreement were not disclosed, but the overall figures released by Canal+ for the first nine months of 2025 show a revenue of €4.86 billion, including €78 million consolidated from the MultiChoice takeover. The company's EBITA guidance for the year has been confirmed at €515 million.
