Bryan, Garnier & Co advises A+E Networks on a strategic partnership with CANAL+
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Paris, April 29th, 2013 – Bryan, Garnier & Co, the independent pan-European investment bank focused on European growth companies, today announced it has advised A+E Networks on forming a strategic partnership with CANAL+ including pay-TV channels, content, production, and digital distribution.
A+E Networks currently operates 57 channels outside the US in over 150 territories, reaching more than 330 million subscribers in 38 languages. The A+E Networks portfolio of brands includes A&E®, Lifetime®, HISTORY®, bio.®, H2™, Crime & Investigation Network®, Military HISTORY®, HISTORY en Español™, LMN®, and LRW™. As a result of the partnership with CANAL+, A+E Networks completes its Western European channel footprint.
The partnership marks an important stage in the development of the CANAL+ channels. The two companies will launch multiple channels in the second half of 2013 via the PLANETE+ factual group on the leading CanalSat platform with exclusive access to A+E Networks’ catalogue of top-rated factual entertainment programming. In addition, A+E Networks will continue to distribute its content more widely through the D8 and D17 channels. Finally, A+E Networks and CANAL+ will also develop digital opportunities in France.
“A+E Networks operates leading global pay-TV brands, and we are very pleased to form this partnership with CANAL+, the preeminent media group in France,” stated Dean Possenniskie, Managing Director, EMEA, A+E Networks. “We have enjoyed a successful content relationship across D8 and the PLANETE+ channels, and we believe this new partnership will create significant growth opportunities for both companies.”
Olivier Stroh, the CANAL+ Director of Factual Theme-Based Channels said: “I am delighted to announce this partnership with A+E Networks. This agreement will enable us to enhance our offer of programs significantly and promote one of the best international factual and entertainment brands to our subscribers. This is a natural alliance between two companies that have been dedicated to ambitious publishing of content for many years”.
Robert Pfeiffer, Managing Director – Media Team at Bryan, Garnier & Co, added: “We are delighted for our client A+E Networks to have realized a successful entry into the French market, joining forces with a formidable partner”.
For more information, please contact:
Robert Pfeiffer, Managing Director – Media Team / +44 207 332 2539 / rpfeiffer@bryangarnier.com
About A+E Networks®
A+E Networks is an award-winning, global media content company offering consumers a diverse communications environment ranging from television networks to websites, to home videos/DVDs to gaming and educational software. A+E Networks is comprised of the following networks and divisions: A&E®, Lifetime®, HISTORY®, LMN®, bio.®, H2™, HISTORY en Español™, Crime & Investigation Network®, Military HISTORY®, LRW™, A&E IndieFilms®, A+E Networks International™, A+E Networks Digital™ and A+E Networks Consumer Products™. A+E Networks’ channels and branded programming reach more than 425 million households in over 150 countries. Worldwide, A+E Networks is a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.
About CANAL+ Group
CANAL+ Group is the leading broadcasting company in France. It is at the forefront in the provision of premium-content and themed networks, as well as in bundling and distribution of pay-TV offerings. Taking into account its international activities in Africa, Poland and Vietnam, the group has a total subscriber base of 14.3 million. CANAL+ Group is a benchmark player in free-to-air television broadcasting, too, with its three national channels and advertising sales division. Through its subsidiary STUDIOCANAL, CANAL+ Group is also a European leader in motion picture production and distribution.