"Surprise Coincidence": Canal+ Group Had Also Acquired The Former Pay-TV Brand FilmNet From MultiChoice And Johann Rupert's Richemont

FilmNet was a premium pay-tv service that was broadcast in parts of Europe between the 80's and 00's. It was a joint venture between MultiChoice and Johann Rupert's Richemont through Nethold which served as European version of M-Net.

Before Nethold acquired FilmNet by 1996, the brand was owned by Swedish company Esselte Video and Dutch film producer Rob Houwer. NBCUniversal, Nielson Holdings and Paramount Global also served as shareholders under the trademark, ATN.

The fate of FilmNet 

FilmNet struggled to make profit before it was acquired by Nethold who in turn sold their shares in the company to Canal+ Group by 1997. Nethold continued operations for the channels in Greece until they were sold to Nova (Formerly ForthNet) by 2008.

Although the brand no longer exists, FilmNet's remains has been scattered through numerous outlets. There's TV4 Group (Scandinavia), Play More (Belgium), Nova (Greece) and Canal+ Group (Poland and Netherlands).

FilmNet's former owner is in the process of being acquired by Canal+ Group 

Not long ago, MultiChoice had granted the French company Canal+ Group rights to its remaining shares in the company. They are seeking to get approval from local legislation and also looking to merge their operations which extends to 30 million households in Africa.

They are also seeking a B-BBEE partner in compliance with local regulations in the market. Although not official, Africa's Rainbow Capital and CAF President owner Patrice Moshepe is reportedly in talks in join the French broadcaster in the takeover. 

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