The French competition authority (Autorité de la concurrence) is now studying the acquisition of Direct 8 and Star by Canal +.
In order to make way for the addition of the two free-to-air channels to the group’s portfolio, Canal+ has proposed seven commitments “valid for three years or less if they became obsolete.”
With regards to the sale of broadcasting rights of films from Studio Canal, the group agrees not to favour Direct 8 Direct and Star in relation to other channels.
Regarding the purchase of broadcasting rights of American movies and series, Canal + is committed to “negotiate separately” the purchase of films for its pay channels and the FTA channels.
With regards to French cinema, the group said it will buy a maximum of 20 French productions per year.
Canal + also committed itself to sell the broadcasting rights for a number of major sports matches to other FTA broadcasters and to limit the number of matches to be sold to its own FTA channels to five per year.
Canal will also broadcast on Direct 8 or Star a number of football matches she bought for its premium channels, 12 Ligue 1 matches per year, and two European matches.
Canal + undertakes not to favour Havas, the advertising agency controlled by the Bolloré Group, the seller of Direct 8 or Star.
The competition authority will make a decision on the acquisition of the two channels before this summer.
