Canal+ Group’s total subscriber count grows thanks to M7
JULY 30, 2020 20.08 EUROPE/LONDON BY ROBERT BRIEL

Canal+ Group’s total subscriber portfolio reached 20.4 million, compared to 17.1 million for the first half of 2019, including 8.6 million in mainland France.

Revenues from international operations rose sharply by 30.5% (+5.2% at constant currency and perimeter), thanks to year-on-year growth in the number of subscribers (+3.2 million), which was driven both by organic growth and the integration of M7.

Canal+ Group’s revenues were €2,674 million, up 6.2% compared to the first half of 2019. At constant currency and perimeter, revenues slightly decreased (-1.6%).

Revenues from television operations in mainland France decreased slightly compared to the first half of 2019 (-2.1% at constant currency and perimeter), in a context marked by a downturn in the advertising market due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Studiocanal’s revenues declined by 30.5% compared to the same period in 2019, as theatrical film distribution was particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canal+ Group’s EBITA before restructuring charges was €329 million, compared to €236 million for the first half of 2019 (+16.2% at constant currency and perimeter). After restructuring charges, EBITA was €300 million, compared to €233 million for the same period in 2019 (+7.0% at constant currency and perimeter).

Canal+ Group said it continues to focus on the tracking of its expenditures and investments. The first half of 2020 confirmed Canal+ Group’s ambition to build, from a foundation of the best of cinema, sports and series, a gateway to the world’s leading applications and channels.

Canal+ Group became the exclusive French distributor of the new Disney+ streaming service, available as part of Canal+ offers since April 7. Canal+ Group can further extend the reach of Disney+ through third-party distribution partners such as Internet Service Provider.

Since June 1, Canal+ Group became the exclusive French distributor of beIN Sports channels to third-party providers across all platforms in mainland France, for the next five years.