Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery have forged a new multi-year agreement aimed at enhancing their international collaboration. This deal marks a significant step forward, particularly with the planned expansion of HBO Max into two additional countries: Belgium and Austria.
Under this agreement, the distribution of HBO Max will continue in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. In addition to the HBO Max expansion, Canal+ will also renew its distribution of popular channels such as Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, and CNN International across Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. The agreement further extends to include Warner TV in the Czech Republic.
Broadening Reach in Africa and Europe
The partnership also encompasses a substantial renewal of distribution for twelve thematic channels from Warner Bros. Discovery within the MultiChoice Group territories in Africa. This includes channels like CNN International, Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, and Food Network, among others.
This new agreement builds on previous arrangements made in 2024. Just six months after their theatrical release in France, Canal+ secured an exclusive pay-TV window for films produced by Warner Bros. Pictures. Additionally, HBO Max is set to be integrated into selected Canal+ group offerings, further solidifying the partnership.
Strategic Moves Amid Industry Changes
The timing of this agreement is notable, coinciding with Netflix‘s pending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. This acquisition could position Canal+ as a formidable player on the global media landscape, especially given its existing distribution agreements with Netflix.
As both companies continue to adapt to the evolving media environment, this partnership signifies a proactive approach to expanding content availability and enhancing viewer access across multiple regions. The impact of these changes will likely resonate through the industry, setting the stage for future developments in international content distribution.