The Vivendi Group's financial results published on February 14 confirm the importance of the African continent for the CANAL+ Group
With an increase of more than 650,000 additional subscribers, the CANAL+ Group reached 4,110,000 subscribers in Africa at the end of December.
At the end of December 2018, the Canal+ Group's global portfolio (individual and collective subscribers in France and internationally) stood at 16.2 million subscribers, compared with 15.6 million at the end of December 2017, representing a net increase of 654,000 subscribers. International revenue grew strongly by 6.8% at constant exchange rates and scope, thanks to very strong growth in the individual subscriber base (+883,000 in one year), to which all territories contributed without exception. Thus, almost all of the growth in the subscriber base was driven by international markets, particularly French-speaking Africa.
CHANGES IN THE CANAL+ INTERNATIONAL SUBSCRIBER PORTFOLIO
In mainland France, the portfolio of individual subscribers to CANAL offerings declined to 7.8 million, compared with 8.1 million at the end of December 2017. At the same time, the portfolio of individual subscribers to the CANAL+ channel recorded net growth of 251,000 subscribers over the last 12 months.
Overall, Groupe Canal+'s profitability in 2018 increased significantly compared to 2017. Current operating income amounted to €429 million, compared to €349 million in 2017 (+22.4% at constant exchange rates and scope). This strong growth is mainly due to the cost-cutting plan launched in 2016, the significant improvement in the situation in mainland France, and sustained international development.
On November 8, 2018, Canal+ Group announced the renewal of its agreement with French cinema, extending its historic partnership until the end of 2022. This agreement was a prerequisite for the signing on December 21, 2018, of the new media chronology, which protects and strengthens Canal+'s unique position, enabling it to offer its subscribers films just six months after their theatrical release.