Canal Plus and Les Echos-le Parisien have announced the joint-purchase of the two Mezzo channels currently owned by the Lagardère group and France Télévisions. Each will own 50% of the assets. Founded in 1998, the production company Mezzo SA runs Mezzo and Mezzo Live HD, two pay channels devoted to classical music, jazz and dance. Distributed in 60 countries, the company’s turnover is over €10 million.
In a statement the CEO of Canal Plus, Maxime Saada, said: “Although a niche sector, Mezzo is a brand recognized both in France, with our subscribers, and internationally, as shown by its distribution to more than 60 million homes world-wide. We are delighted to support its development with the assets of the Canal Plus Group.”
For Pierre Louette, CEO of Les Echos-le Parisien, which also owns Radio Classique, this acquisition represents “the opportunity to consolidate a media leader in classical music.”
The two groups will share the management: the Echos-le Parisien will be responsible for the personnel and communication, Canal Plus will cover international marketing and distribution.
Sources: https://www.capital.fr,https://www.ozap.com/, http://www.strategies.fr
