Canal Plus Group, the French media conglomerate, secured revenue of $3.2 billion in the first half (H1) of 2024, up 4.6% year-on-year.
This comes with Vivendi, the media conglomerate that owns Canal Plus, looking to list it on the London Stock Exchange.
During H1, Canal Plus increased its shareholding in Viu, the over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform owned by Hong Kong-based telecommunications group PCCW, to nearly 37%.
It also brought its shareholding in embattled Swedish broadcaster Viaplay up to 29%, thus becoming the largest shareholder.
Meanwhile, it also looks set to complete a takeover of South African broadcast group MultiChoice.
In April, it bid 35 billion South African rand ($1.9 billion) for the remaining 63.4% of MultiChoice that it does not already own, and last month the latter company’s shareholders were reportedly advised to accept that offer.
Overall, Vivendi’s H1 revenues reached €9.05 billion ($9.8 billion), representing year-on-year growth of 5.8%.
Earnings before interest, taxation, and amortization (EBITA) came to $671 million, up 39% year-on-year.
