TF1 and M6 have announced an agreement to purchase the 33.33% equity stake held by France Télévisions in Salto for €45 million upon the completion of their merger. Salto, a subscription video on demand service launched in October 2020, will then operate under full ownership of the new group, thereby enhancing its streaming capabilities. This transaction is contingent on the successful merger, allowing Salto to continue its development under existing joint control until 2022.
M6 Métropole Télévision has filed its 2021 Universal Registration Document with the French Financial Markets Authority on March 9, 2022. This document is accessible on the company’s website and includes key reports such as the annual financial report, corporate governance, statutory auditors' fees, and a report on the share buyback program. The filing aims to meet regulatory compliance and enhance transparency for investors and stakeholders.
M6 Group has received a put option for the channel 6ter from Altice Media, granting exclusive negotiation rights. This sale is linked to the merger between M6 and TF1 Groups, announced on May 17, 2021. Due to regulatory limitations, the merged entity can only hold seven national DTT channels, necessitating the sale. The merger is expected to be completed by early January 2023. Throughout 2022, M6 Group will maintain control over 6ter. Additionally, M6 intends to return the DTT frequency of Paris Première after ARCOM approval, while continuing to utilize it on cable and satellite networks.
M6 Group reported consolidated revenue of €1,390.4 million for 2021, a 9.2% increase year-over-year. Advertising revenue surged 16.0% to €1,137.4 million, with TV advertising revenue rising 17.5%. EBITA climbed 28.0% to €346.7 million, reflecting strong control of costs. Net profit reached €280.8 million, a 1.5% increase from 2020. The operating margin improved to 24.9%. The Group plans a €1.00 dividend per share, and advertising activity remains positive into 2022.
On December 31, 2021, M6 Group finalized a 2% acquisition of Stéphane Plaza Immobilier, increasing its total ownership to 51%. This transaction values the company at €125 million and will fully consolidate under M6 Group's financials. Stéphane Plaza Immobilier, a leading brand in France's estate agent networks, boasts 660 franchise contracts and an estimated EBITA of €12.5 million for 2021, a 47% increase. M6 Group expresses confidence in its leadership and the effectiveness of television advertising in promoting the brand.
M6 Group reported strong financial results for Q3 2021, with advertising revenue of €239.5 million, a rise of 5.9%. Over the first nine months of 2021, consolidated revenues reached €953 million, up 11.3%. EBITA for the period stood at €223.5 million, reflecting a 61.5% increase from 2020. Operating margin improved to 23.4%. The group's strategic focus on TV and radio continues to pay off, as evidenced by a recovery in advertising investments and increased viewer engagement. Challenges persist in non-advertising revenue, which fell significantly year-on-year.