France’s broadcasting regulator, the Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel (CSA), has authorised the sale of Direct 8 and Direct Star, previously owned 100 per cent by the Bolloré group, to the Canal+ Group.

The decision follows what Canal+ describes as intense dialogue with the CSA, with the broadcaster accepting a number of undertakings aimed at protecting the interests of viewers and creativity at a French and European level.

These fresh undertaking are in addition to those accepted in July in relation to France’s competition regulator, l’Autorité de la Concurrence, which imposed strict constraints on Canal + in relation to the acquisition of rights.

The agreement will allow the Canal+ Group to finalise the acquisition of the free-to-air services, first announced September 2011, by the end of the month.

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