Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have finalized a new multi-year agreement aimed at enhancing their international collaboration. This deal, announced recently, will facilitate the expansion of HBO Max into two additional countries, Belgium and Austria, while renewing its distribution in several central and eastern European nations.
Under the terms of this agreement, HBO Max will continue to be available through Canal+ in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Additionally, the renewal includes the distribution of popular channels such as Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, and CNN International in Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Warner TV will also see its distribution renewed in the Czech Republic.
Broadening Reach in Africa and Strengthening Partnerships
The partnership extends beyond Europe. In territories serviced by the MultiChoice Group in Africa, the distribution of 12 WBD thematic channels will be renewed. This includes channels like CNN International, Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, and Food Network, among others. This broad renewal underscores WBD’s commitment to consolidating its presence across multiple markets.
This agreement builds on earlier collaborations between Canal+ and WBD established in 2024. It includes a focus on the exclusive pay-TV window for Warner Bros. Pictures films, which allows these titles to be available on Canal+ just six months after their theatrical release in France. The integration of HBO Max into select Canal+ group offerings is also part of this ongoing partnership.
Context in a Changing Media Landscape
The new agreement comes during a transformative period for the media landscape, particularly with the anticipated acquisition of WBD by Netflix. This potential merger could further enhance Canal+’s position as a significant player in the global media market, especially given its existing distribution agreements with Netflix.
As these developments unfold, Canal+ aims to leverage its partnerships to provide a broader range of content, enhancing viewer access across its territories. The expansion of HBO Max and the renewal of key channel distributions reflect a strategic move to strengthen Canal+’s offerings against a backdrop of competitive media dynamics.
This partnership signifies a robust commitment to delivering diverse content to audiences and highlights the evolving nature of media distribution in an increasingly interconnected world. Further updates will likely emerge as the agreement takes effect and as both companies navigate the changing landscape of international media.
