Vivendi, the French media giant, recorded a revenue increase year-on-year of 3.7% during the first half (H1) of 2023, with its pay-TV heavyweight Canal Plus contributing significantly to that rise.

Compared to the equivalent period in 2022, Canal Plus’ revenues were up 3%, coming to €2.95 billion ($3.26 billion). Revenues from TV operations in France rose by 1.7%, while income from international operations came up by 2.2%.

Numerically, Canal Plus’ revenues rose by €86 million year-on-year. It brought in €1.47 billion of revenue in the first quarter of 2023, and €1.48 billion in the second quarter.

In total, Vivendi brought in H1 revenue of €4.69 billion, it disclosed on July 27.

In terms of earnings before interest, taxation, and amortization, Canal Plus’ came to €337 million, down 1.5% year-on-year.

Arnaud de Puyfontaine, chief executive at Vivendi, said: “All Canal Plus Group activities contributed to revenue growth while maintaining stable profitability.”

Activities undertaken by Canal Plus during the first half of 2023 include becoming a minority shareholder in Viu, the over-the-top streaming platform owned by Hong Kong-based telecommunications group PCCW, to enhance its footing in the Southeast Asia region.

In addition, its streaming platform is now active across the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with an expansion deal having been reached in April.

It has also recently increased its stake in African media group MultiChoice to 31.7%, while in the last couple of weeks, the broadcaster purchased a 12% stake in beleaguered Sweden-based media and entertainment company Viaplay Group.

In terms of its sporting activities during the first half of 2023, Canal Plus struck significant deals across soccer (both men’s and women’s), basketball, and sailing.