CANAL+ Group Acquires ROK
ROK, the leading African film studio and the international television network, has been acquired by CANAL + Group, which includes production channels, content distribution and publication. As part of the transaction, IROKO Ltd will also take full control of JV IROKO +, the number 1 SVOD platform in French-speaking Africa. The movement occurs when CANAL + Group seeks to strengthen its reach of content production in Nigeria and throughout Africa.
As part of the acquisition, ROK founder Mary Njoku will continue to play a leadership role as CEO of ROK Productions SAS, and maintains a significant stake in the company.
ROK will produce thousands of hours more of Nollywood content to deliver original films and TV series for the audiences of the CANAL + Group at FSA. As part of the acquisition, CANAL + Group will continue to collaborate with IROKO Ltd, with the distribution of ROK non-exclusive content content through the IROKOtv SVOD application.
ROK was incubated as of 2013, by IROKO Ltd, the leading African distributor of digital content for Nollywood content, whose flagship platform IROKOtv has transformed the way Nollywood content is accessed and consumed around the world.
Speaking of the acquisition, Mary Njoku says: “ROK has captured the imagination of millions of film fans, and they have really supported us as we grew up in the company to celebrate and enjoy our African culture. I am excited to take our platform to the next stage of its journey with CANAL + Group, which shares our passion for creating original content, supporting new talent and together, we have ambitious plans for the future. ”
Mary Njoku, founder ROK Jacques du PUY, CEO of CANAL + International says: “Through this acquisition, the CANAL + Group is pleased to develop and improve the Nollywood content catalog and expand the ROK brand inside and outside the African continent.”
Alone in Africa, ROK has produced more than 540 movies and 25 original TV series, making ROK one of the most prolific production houses in Nollywood.