TF1 Group


TF1 Group is a French media holding company, the owner of channel TF1, the largest European private TV channel.
The group was formed after TF1 was privatized in 1987. It is controlled with a 43% stake by Bouygues, and is quoted on Euronext Paris.

History

In June 2009, TF1 Group agreed to buy the NT1 channel from AB Groupe, as well as AB's 40% stake in TMC Monte Carlo. The deal was cleared by France's competition authority and subsequently by the Council of State in December 2010, dismissing an appeal by Métropole Télévision. As part of the same transaction the group raised its stake in WB Television to 49%.
On 21 December 2012, Discovery Communications purchased a 20% stake in Eurosport from TF1 Group for €170m. Discovery has the option to increase its stake to 51% in 2014. Should Discovery exercise its option, TF1 Group would have the ability to then exercise a put option over the remaining 49% that would see Discovery take full control. On 22 July 2015 Discovery agreed to acquire TF1's remaining 49% stake in the venture. Discovery also took a 20% share in TV Breizh, Histoire, Ushuaia TV and Stylia – for €14m, with the option of increasing its shareholding to 49% in each channel in 2014. Discovery and TF1's production arm will also work together on making programmes.
TF1 Group's Newen agree to acquired a majority stake in Reel One of Montreal in July 2019. Current owner and CEO Tom Berry would retain a minority stake in the company.

Operations

TF1 Group owns or has a direct stake in the following television channels:

Free-to-air

The firm holds a number of other interests in the advertising, internet and publishing fields, including 34% of Metro International's operations in France.