M6 to acquire Lagardère’s TV networks
February 1, 2019
From Pascale Paoli-Lebailly in Paris
M6 Group has entered into negotiations to acquire Lagardère’s FTA and pay-TV networks (with the exception of international classical music and ballet channel Mezzo).
The project anticipates the full takeover of FTA DTT kids channel Gulli, along with pay-TV channels pre-schooler channels Canal J and TiJi, entertainment and music channels Elle Girl TV, MCM, RFM TV and MCM Top. The deal also includes all replay services such as Gulli Replay and SVoD platform GulliMax.
M6 Group will merge the TV advertising and international distribution activities. The commercialisation of TV channels abroad is mostly driven by the distribution of Gulli Africa, Gulli Bil Arabia, Gulli Girl and TiJi Russia. They are broadcast in French-speaking Africa, Middle East and in the Russian-speaking area.
M6 Group, which already owns FTA DTT channels M6, W9 and 6ter, and pay-TV networks Paris Première, Téva, M6 Music and half of Série Club, said the “acquisition project constitutes an opportunity to expand its kids and families offering as well as strengthening its global positions on the French media market”, both for TV advertising and in the digital environment thanks to the non-linear and SVoD strength of Gulli brand.
Reaching 91 countries, Lagardère’s TV scope will help M6 Group to expand its activities internationally. Lagardère’s TV buisnesses posted global revenues of €98 million in 2017, and EBIT at €20.6 million.
The takeover terms will be submitted for consultation by both groups’ representative boards and conditioned to the agreement of TV regulator CSA and of the Competition Authorities.