Carlton Commits 32m To Internet Venture With TF1

Carlton Communications has teamed up with French commercial broadcaster, TF1, to set up a joint venture to operate internet and online businesses across Europe. Each of the companies is to invest Euro50 million (�31.5 million) in the venture which will be called @lliance.

@lliance is being created to acquire and develop sports, entertainment and interactive rights for distribution on Carlton, TF1 and third party platforms. @lliance will also develop ecommerce services. Carlton and TF1 are to promote @lliance through their extensive networks of television, advertising and publishing.

Michael Green, Carlton’s chairman, says: “The internet opens extraordinary opportunities for development in Europe. By combining their forces around strong brands, know-how and promotional capacities, TF1 and Carlton will be a leading force on the internet,” says TF1 chairman Patrick Le Lay. “We believe in combining free and pay television platforms and using them to build strong businesses in new media,” adds Carlton chairman Michael Green.

The distribution and promotion network the two companies have access to is set to be bolstered further if the proposed merger between Carlton and United News & Media is completed (see IPA Concerned Over Carlton/UNM Merger’s Effect On Airtime Sales). The combination of all three companies will cover 40 million homes in Europe.

Carlton Communications: 0171 663 6363