Telefonica completes Canal+ Spain takeover

Telefónica has closed its acquisition of Prisa’s 56% stake in France pay TV outfit Canal+ following approval of the deal by the country’s competition watchdog, the CNMV.

Telefónica will pay €706.8 million (US$797 million) for the stake, giving it 100% control of the operation. The operator has already transferred 80% of the total, or €565.4 million.

The final price could be adjusted upwards or downwards.

As a condition of the deal, Telefónica will make 50% of the content of its premium channels – comprising both Canal+ and its own Movistar TV services – available to rival operators at wholesale, including premium sports services centred on Spanish top-tier football, Formula One motor-racing, Moto GP, international basketball and coverage of the Olympic Games.

Telefónica’s hold on its remaining exclusive content will be limited to a two-year window.

Prisa will now focus on educational and informational publishing activities, with an increased focus on the Latin American market.