Canal + Overseas has agreed to take a majority stake in Thema.
Thema was founded in 2005 by François Thiellet and specialises in the distribution of generalist, specialist and ethnic TV channels to cable, satellite and IPTV opeartors in France and internationally.
It also produces the African fiction channel Nollywood TV and distributes many ethnic multichannel packages, including Le Bouquet Africain, to ISPs and operators.
Under the terms of the deal, full details of which have not been disclosed, Thiellet, currently Thema’s CEO, will contimue to manage and develop the company’s business with the support of his management committee.
Jacques du Puy, CEO of Canal+ Overseas, said: “The acquisition of the Thema group will speed up our development strategy, particularly in Africa, and will also provide us with vital marketing and publishing know-how with regard to ethnic content.”
François Thiellet added: “We are proud and happy to be associated with Canal+ Overseas, whose resources and international presence will speed up Thema’s growth worldwide.”
