Starz has agreed a distribution deal with Vivendi-owned Canal+ in France.
The agreement will see Starzplay, the premium SVOD from Starz, offered to Canal+ Séries, Integrale and Integrale+ subscribers at no extra cost.
Announcing the news, the operator boasted its own originals and celebrated that its content offering will be boosted by Starz shows like The Spanish Princess, The Great and BBC hit Normal People.
Pascale Chabert, head of content acquisitions – Key Account at CANAL+ Group, said: “We are thrilled to broaden our CANAL+ offers with Starzplay, and provide an always more extensive and eclectic offer for our subscribers. By integrating Starzplay, Canal+ Group goes one further step in its ambition to aggregate the best content and apps of the market.”
Superna Kalle, EVP, International Digital Networks for Starz, said: “Partnering with Canal+, a marquee brand well known for its comprehensive offerings and exceptional service, to expand the Starzplay footprint in France will introduce new audiences to our vast library of compelling series and films.
“We look forward to deepening our relationship with French viewers through this partnership and are confident they will gravitate toward our premium content.”
While Canal+ will be buoyed by the stability brought via this deal, it is currently amid an ongoing legal drama in regards to the Ligue 1 broadcast rights. The operator is taking legal action against the country’s professional football body, the LFP, over its decision to launch a new bidding process for rights to Ligue 1 following the acrimonious split from Mediapro after less than six months.
