In a bold move that underscores its commitment to the Asian market, Canal Plus has increased its stake in Viu, the popular over-the-top (OTT) streaming service owned by Hong Kong’s PCCW, to nearly 37%. This significant expansion comes after Canal Plus initially acquired a 26.1% stake in Viu last June, followed by a series of strategic investments.
Canal Plus’s Strategic Stake Increase
The increase to a 36.8% stake is part of a larger strategy by Canal Plus to solidify its presence in Asia. This recent investment is a continuation of Canal Plus’s original deal, which included:
- Initial Investment: Canal Plus initially took a 26.1% stake in Viu, investing $200 million.
- Additional Funding: In February of this year, Canal Plus released an additional $100 million, fulfilling its investment agreement.
Canal Plus’s commitment to Viu reflects its broader strategy to tap into the rapidly growing OTT market in Asia, which includes countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The company’s investment not only enhances its stake but also positions it as a significant player in the region’s competitive streaming landscape.
Viu: A Key Player in the OTT Market
Viu is an established OTT platform that has carved out a substantial presence in 16 countries across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa. Known for its diverse content offerings, Viu holds rights to major sporting events and popular entertainment. Key highlights include:
- Content Rights: ViuTV, Viu’s entertainment channel, has held rights to major global events such as the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Geographical Reach: With a footprint across 16 countries, Viu caters to a broad audience, making it a valuable asset in Canal Plus’s portfolio.
Canal Plus’s Broader Strategic Moves
Canal Plus’s increased stake in Viu is part of a series of strategic moves aimed at expanding its global footprint:
- Expansion in Asia: Canal Plus has been actively pursuing growth in the Asian market. This includes its acquisition of exclusive media rights to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions for the 2025-28 cycle.
- Viaplay Investment: The French broadcaster recently increased its stake in European
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Title: Canal Plus Boosts Viu Stake to 37%: A Strategic Expansion into Asian Streaming
Canal Plus Boosts Viu Stake to 37%: A Strategic Expansion into Asian Streaming
In a significant move marking its strategic push into the Asian OTT market, Canal Plus has raised its stake in Viu, the popular streaming platform owned by Hong Kong’s PCCW, to nearly 37%. This increase follows Canal Plus’s initial acquisition of a 26.1% stake in Viu and additional investments made earlier this year.
Canal Plus’s Bold Move in Viu
Canal Plus’s decision to expand its investment in Viu reflects its commitment to leveraging growth opportunities in the Asian streaming sector. Here’s a breakdown of the investment:
- Initial Investment: Last June, Canal Plus acquired a 26.1% share in Viu for $200 million.
- Further Investment: In February, Canal Plus released an additional $100 million, completing the agreed-upon funding.
The recent announcement that Canal Plus has increased its stake to 36.8% follows the achievement of key business milestones. This move not only enhances Canal Plus’s influence in Viu but also underscores its dedication to the Asian market.
Viu’s Expanding Influence
Viu has established itself as a leading OTT platform across multiple regions:
- Content Rights: ViuTV, part of the Viu network, has held broadcasting rights for significant events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Regional Presence: Available in 16 countries including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa, Viu caters to a diverse audience with a broad range of content.
This wide reach makes Viu a strategic asset for Canal Plus as it seeks to bolster its presence in the burgeoning OTT market.
Canal Plus’s Global Strategy
The increase in Canal Plus’s stake in Viu is part of a broader strategy to expand its global footprint:
- Asian Market Focus: Canal Plus is intensifying its focus on Asia, including acquiring exclusive media rights to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions for the 2025-28 cycle.
- Viaplay Investment: Canal Plus recently raised its stake in European media giant Viaplay to 29%, making it the largest shareholder. This investment reflects Canal Plus’s growing influence in the European media landscape.
- Multichoice Acquisition: Canal Plus has made a bid to acquire South African broadcaster Multichoice entirely. The company has offered 35 billion South African rand ($1.9 billion) to purchase the remaining shares, signaling its commitment to expanding its presence in the African market.
Impact and Future Prospects
Canal Plus’s strategic investments highlight its ambition to become a dominant player in global media. The increase in Viu’s stake positions Canal Plus to:
- Leverage Market Growth: Tap into the rapidly growing OTT sector in Asia, where consumer demand for diverse streaming content is on the rise.
- Enhance Content Offerings: Integrate Viu’s extensive content library and regional expertise into its global portfolio.
- Drive Innovation: Explore new opportunities for innovation and collaboration within the OTT space.
Conclusion
Canal Plus’s latest move to increase its stake in Viu to 37% is a clear indication of its strategic intent to expand its influence in the Asian OTT market. This investment not only strengthens Canal Plus’s position but also demonstrates its commitment to leveraging growth opportunities across global media markets.
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