News
News
Canal +, the pay-TV business owned by French media group Vivendi , has raised its stake in Viaplay to 29.33 % as part of a recapitalisation plan , confirming its position as the largest shareholder in the Nordic streaming platform . Canal + s previous stake in Viaplay was 12 %.
Viaplay separately said it completed a recapitalisation that included an equity injection of four billion Swedish kronor (€ 354.7m ). Czech investment company PPF Group increased its stake in the company to 29.29 % as part of the
“ The completion of this complex and comprehensive recapitalisation programme is a major milestone in the rebuilding of Viaplay Group .”
Canal + ups stake in Viaplay
recapitalisation , Viaplay confirmed .
Simon Duffy , Viaplay Group interim Chair of the Board of Directors , commented : “ The completion of this complex and comprehensive recapitalisation programme is a major milestone in the rebuilding of Viaplay Group , and provides a strong platform for a successful future . I would like to thank the shareholders , bondholders , loan and guarantee providers for making the concessions and commitments that were necessary to secure the survival of the Group .
This marks a new beginning for Viaplay Group as the Nordic region ’ s leading entertainment provider .” We greatly appreciate the support that we have received from all stakeholders , and their confidence in our strategy and plan to re-establish Viaplay Group as a healthily profitable , financially strong and operationally sustainable company . We have set the path forward now and the executive team has already made substantial progress in improving operating performance and financial discipline , with much more to come .”
Jørgen Madsen Lindemann , Viaplay Group President and CEO , added : “ The recapitalisation package helps us address our immediate challenges , and also gives us the opportunity to realise our longterm ambitions . We have already made a number of important steps forward in the implementation of our new strategy and plan . We have identified a wide range of corrective and creative actions that are required to adjust our pricing and partnering models to commercially achievable objectives , to focus on our core markets and exit non-core international markets , to rebase the cost base to a competitive level , to reset our content strategy and to ensure accountability in all areas . We are working with our teams and partners to implement these measures quickly and effectively . We are a more focused , realistic and agile player now , operating in markets that we know well , and where we have been very successful with relevant products at affordable prices that customers love .”
“ We have much more to do but the completion of this recapitalisation process , and commitment by our stakeholders to the future of Viaplay Group , are absolutely essential and very much appreciated . We are totally focused on rebuilding stakeholder value by continuing to take a broad range of operating and financial measures to drive higher growth , profitability and liquidity ,” he added .
TNT seals FA Cup
The FA and TNT Sports
Round , with every game from have agreed a new fouryear broadcast deal for the 3pm kick offs on display
the Third Round outside of
Emirates FA Cup , starting through to the Final at from the 2025 / 26 season , Wembley Stadium . Selected which will see more games matches from every round will available , across both TNT be available free-to-air , and Sports and free-to-air . highlights of every game will TNT Sports will showcase be made available . Further live matches from the First details of the free-to-air broadcaster will be confirmed in due course .
In addition to the Emirates FA Cup ties , TNT Sports will also air the English football season ’ s traditional curtain raiser , The FA Community Shield , as well as The FA Youth Cup Semi Finals and Final .
Mark Bullingham , FA Chief Executive , commented : “ The Emirates FA Cup is our crown jewel , and it helps us to provide vital investment across every level of English football , supporting clubs , communities , facilities and the wider grassroots game . Every season , and across every round , The Emirates FA Cup creates incredible moments and unforgettable memories for fans , and this new partnership will see selected matches shown live on TNT Sports , as well as freeto-air , from the First Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium . TNT Sports are an outstanding broadcaster with an impressive record of showing some of the biggest and best sporting events around the world , so we are delighted to be working with them on our shared commitment and long-term vision that will ensure the Emirates FA Cup continues to thrive over the coming years .”
Andrew Georgiou , President & Managing Director Warner Bros Discovery UK
& Ireland and WBD Sports Europe , added : “ TNT Sports is proud to partner with The FA to present more matches of the world ’ s most prestigious domestic cup competition than ever before alongside our great line up of the Premier League and UEFA Champions League and club competitions , bringing even more live football to our TNT Sports customers . The Emirates FA Cup and the incredible stories it creates every season goes well beyond football , making TNT Sports the perfect home as we continue to tell the stories that matter most to the fans . We have a huge amount of respect for the place that this world-famous competition has in the hearts of football fans and that ’ s why continuing to ensure we maintain a level of free-to-air coverage is important for us and The FA .”
4 EUROMEDIA