Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have solidified their international collaboration by signing a new multi-year, multi-territory agreement. This pact is considered a major milestone in their ongoing partnership, significantly expanding the reach of WBD's content across various regions.

A key aspect of this agreement involves the renewal and expansion of HBO Max distribution. HBO Max distribution through Canal+ will be renewed in existing markets such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Furthermore, the partnership will see HBO Max extend its presence to two new countries: Belgium and Austria, making the service available to a broader audience in these territories.

Beyond HBO Max, the deal also ensures the continued distribution of several other popular WBD thematic channels within Europe. Specifically, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, and CNN International will see their distribution renewed in Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Additionally, Warner TV distribution will be renewed in the Czech Republic, maintaining its availability for viewers in the region.

The agreement's scope extends to Africa, where the distribution of 12 Warner Bros. Discovery thematic channels will be renewed across MultiChoice Group territories. This comprehensive renewal includes well-known brands such as CNN International, Cartoon Network, Cartoon Network Porto, Cartoonito, Cartoonito Porto, Discovery Channel, Discovery Family, Real Time, ID, TLC, HGTV, Travel, TNT Africa, and Food Network, ensuring a wide array of content for African subscribers.

This latest multi-year deal builds upon previous strategic agreements made in 2024 between WBD and the French media group. These earlier collaborations included the renewal of the exclusive pay-TV window for Warner Bros. Pictures films in France, granting Canal+ access to these movies six months after their theatrical release. It also encompassed the integration of HBO Max within select Canal+ group offers, streamlining access for subscribers.

The timing of this agreement is particularly significant, coinciding with Netflix’s pending purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery. This potential acquisition could strategically position Canal+ as an even more influential player on the global media stage, especially given its existing distribution deals with Netflix. The synergy created by these relationships could grant Canal+ a unique advantage in content aggregation and distribution.

Further emphasizing the importance of this evolving landscape, Netflix boss Ted Sarandos made a notable appearance at Canal+ Group’s Paris showcase on December 16. During a conversation with Canal+ chair and CEO Maxime Saada, Sarandos reassured the audience of Netflix's intentions following a potential WBD acquisition. He stated that