Netflix confirms UK launch

Netflix has confirmed that it will launch its online streaming service in the UK and Ireland in 2012.

This follows a number of licensing deals with major content providers including Lionsgate. The move will be the company’s first official launch in Europe, ahead of an expected launch in Spain next year, and brings major competition to online streaming rivals including Lovefilm.

This follows successful launches in Canada and across Latin America, where it is available in 43 countries.

The service will launch in early 2012 and will offer a “wide array” of television series and films on TVs and computers as well as consumer electronic devices including tablets and smartphones.

The company, however, has not announced any content deals for the service and a spokesman told TBIvision that it will announce programming deals closer to its launch.

It is expected to be in talks with all of the major Hollywood studios as well as local producers and distributors.

This comes as Netflix announces its latest financial results later today.