Strong quarter for Canal Plus

French media giant Vivendi reported first quarter revenues of €7.2 billion, an increase of 3.8% compared to the first quarter 2010.

The French media giant’s pay TV division Canal Plus Group contributed revenues of €1,192 million, up 4.1% year-on-year. Canal Plus France’s revenues, which include all pay TV operations in mainland France, French overseas territories and Africa, were up 2.4% to €1,008 million. The growth came from an increase in subscriptions, ARPU and ad revenues. During the 12 months to the end of March, Canal Plus France added 214,000 subs.

Vivendi said Canal Plus in Poland and i>Télé also made a positive contribution to revenues.

Group EBITA was €265 million, compared to €230 million for the first quarter of 2010.