Canal+ signs long-term distribution extension with SES

Vivendi-owned Canal+ has signed a series of long-term agreements with SES for satellite capacity across three regions.

The multi-transponder deal will see SES deliver Canal+’s content to more than 10 million subscribers via 9.2 degrees East, 23.5 degrees East and 22 degrees West. SES said that the new contract represents additional secured backlog of over €230 million and includes options for additional capacity and extensions.

This is an extension of a partnership which was established in 1995, and will see Canal+ broadcast bouquets of channels in UHD, HD and SD. These include the distribution of the Canal+ premium pay TV channels, FTA digital terrestrial TV satellite offering TNTSAT, Luxembourg-based M7, and Canal+’s African portfolio.

Jacques du Puy, CEO, Canal+ International, said: “Extending our partnership with SES was a natural choice, since we have a long and successful partnership in delivering superior quality video experiences to diverse audiences around the world. This agreement across three orbital slots demonstrates that satellite is at the heart of our pay TV operations throughout the world. We look forward to many more years of working together to ensure we reach the widest possible TV audiences.”

SES CEO Steve Collar said: “Canal+ is an iconic global company and brand that evokes quality, innovation and outstanding content and is among our longest standing and most valued customers. We are incredibly proud of the trust that Canal+ has placed in SES and it underscores our mutual belief in the power of satellite to broadcast the best content, in the highest definition to the broadest base of subscribers on a global basis.

“This agreement ensures that we will continue to serve the neighbourhoods that we have built together for the next decade and beyond.”