Canal+ UGC theater stake deal was signed Thursday as the French media giant acquired 34 percent minority ownership in one of France’s largest cinema chains. The transaction demonstrates the group’s commitment to cinema, with an option to take full control of UGC in 2028 . Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada highlighted the company’s dedication to theatrical exhibition on Thursday .
Canal+ UGC theater stake combines the media company’s StudioCanal arm with UGC’s 55 multiplexes including 48 in France and 7 in Belgium . In addition to its cinema chain, UGC owns a high-quality content library that would expand StudioCanal’s catalogue of over 9,400 titles . UGC’s flagship Paris location, UGC Ciné Cité Les Halles, is considered the most visited cinema in the world .
Canal+ UGC theater stake represents negotiations that began in September and reached final agreement this week. UGC’s library includes mainstream comedies like Serial Bad Weddings, classic films like Amélie, and hit series HPI . The acquisition strengthens Canal+’s position as France’s premier cinema supporter since 1984.
Canal+ UGC theater stake announcement came alongside the company’s nine-month revenue report showing continued growth. Revenue of €4.61 billion was up 1.2 percent organically for the first nine months of 2025 . The deal reinforces Canal+’s strategic priority of accelerating StudioCanal’s development through vertical integration of production, distribution, and exhibition.
