Cyfra Plus and ‘n’ become nc+

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Polish pay-TV merger complete
By Chris Forrester


Canal Plus has wrapped the complex merger of Poland’s various pay-TV interests. These involve Canal+, ITI and TVN combining into a new entity – NC+ – which will be a single pay-TV DTH platform with about 2.5 million subs. Canal Plus will own 51 percent of NC+.

The merger brings together the former competing elements of Canal Plus, TVN and UPC. Canal Plus will remain the dominant player (and own 51 percent of the new business), with TVN retaining 32 percent and UPC 17 percent. TVN placed its ‘n’ bouquet into the mix. Canal Plus paid ITI some €277 million for 40 percent of N-Vision which itself indirectly owns 52.4 percent of the TVN media group. ITI still owns 60 percent of N-Vision.

The merged entity is expected to lead to tangible savings in running costs and the elimination of duplicated services, and permit greater investment in original content.

 

[sofien72tu]

Cyfra Plus and ‘n’ become nc+
December 3, 2012


Polish pay TV operators Cyfra Plus and ‘n’ have officially merged, following regulatory approval for the deal.

The Cyfra Plus and ‘n’ platforms are to be renamed nc+ and will have a combined subscriber base of 2.5 million post-paid customers. Under the deal, Canal Plus Group, the owner of Cyfra Plus, will own 51% of nc+, with TVN Group and UPC owning 32% and 17% respectively.

A new management board will lead the company, with Julien Verley as president and CEO supported by vice-president, business affairs, communications and branding Beata Monka, vice-president, programming and product Christian Anting, vice-president, finance Nicolas Dandoy and vice-president, sales and logistics Artur Przybysz.

Bertrand Meheut, CEO of Canal Plus Group, said: “This ground-breaking strategic partnership with TVN Group, Poland’s leading media company, and the launch of nc+ represent major milestones for Canal Plus Group in the diversification and expansion of its activities. This partnership will further internationalise our business, strengthen our existing position in Poland and enhance our growth profile.”