AFP via Getty Images Share on Facebook Share on X Share to Flipboard Send an Email Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Print the Article Post a Comment French media giant Canal+ has entered exclusive negotiations to acquire a 34 percent minority stake in UGC, one of France's largest cinema chains, with an option to take full control of the company in 2028. The deal would combine Canal+'s production and distribution arm, StudioCanal, with UGC's exhibition network of 55 theaters across France and Belgium, including the UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles in Paris, one of the most visited cinemas in the world. UGC also owns a significant library of films and television series, including French blockbusters Amélie, and the Serial (Bad) Weddings franchise and the hit TV series HPI - High Potential. Related Stories TV Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West Kick Off Filming on Season 2 of Channel 4's 'Big Mood' (Exclusive) News 'Father Ted' Co-Creator Graham Linehan Arrested Over Trans X Posts Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+, said the agreement would strengthen the company's commitment to cinema and theatrical exhibition and accelerate the growth of StudioCanal. The deal remains subject to consultation with employee representatives in accordance with European Union regulations. Founded in 1946, UGC operates major multiplexes in cities including Paris, Lyon and Lille and runs subsidiaries in production and distribution. Canal+ has nearly 27 million subscribers in 52 countries and owns StudioCanal, which produces and distributes around 200 films annually and controls one of Europe's largest film catalogs. The UGC agreement follows other recent Canal+ expansion moves, including increasing its stake in Asian streaming service Viu to 37.2 percent with an option for majority control by 2026 and pursuing a mandatory takeover offer for South African pay-TV group MultiChoice, pending regulatory approval. Under the proposed UGC deal, Canal+ would acquire the initial stake and retain the option, subject to shareholder approval, to purchase the remaining shares from 2028. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up music Spin Magazine Sale Collapses After Buyer Doesn't Wire the Money Business Features Fox, CBS May Want In on Local TV Station Buying Spree Vogue Anna Wintour Taps Chloe Malle as Vogue U.S. Head of Editorial siriusxm Howard Stern Delays SiriusXM Return Until Next Week After Teasing Big Reveal About His Future John Malone John Malone Says He Advised David Zaslav on Warner Bros. Discovery Compensation Package, NBA Rights walmart Walmart Wants to Challenge Amazon as a Streaming Aggregator, Adds Peacock as Video Partner music Spin Magazine Sale Collapses After Buyer Doesn't Wire the Money Business Features Fox, CBS May Want In on Local TV Station Buying Spree Vogue Anna Wintour Taps Chloe Malle as Vogue U.S. Head of Editorial siriusxm Howard Stern Delays SiriusXM Return Until Next Week After Teasing Big Reveal About His Future John Malone John Malone Says He Advised David Zaslav on Warner Bros. Discovery Compensation Package, NBA Rights walmart Walmart Wants to Challenge Amazon as a Streaming Aggregator, Adds Peacock as Video Partner