Vivendi to List Canal+ in London, Enhancing UK Market Presence

23 Jul, 2024

Vivendi to List Canal+ in London, Enhancing UK Market Presence

Vivendi plans to list its French TV business Canal+ in London, boosting the UK market after many companies chose other financial hubs. This move is part of Vivendi's strategy to separate its media conglomerate, led by billionaire Vincent Bolloré, to unlock value from its various operations. The London listing aligns with Canal+'s international focus, as it is actively expanding, including a $2.9 billion acquisition of Africa's largest pay-TV operator, Multichoice.

With around two-thirds of its subscribers outside France, Canal+ has a global distribution network and is growing in Africa, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Vivendi sees a London listing as an attractive option for global investors. This announcement comes as London seeks to regain its status as a major financial center, following recent high-profile departures to other exchanges like the Nasdaq and Frankfurt.

Vivendi’s restructuring plan also includes listing its advertising and media-buying business Havas in Amsterdam and its publishing arm, now named Louis Hachette Group, on Euronext in Paris. Canal+ will also have a secondary listing in Johannesburg, reflecting its expanding global footprint.