Overview

• Rodolphe Saadé’s Merit France holding has acquired a 20% stake in Pathé, marking the first time the cinema giant has opened its capital beyond the Seydoux family.
• The partnership is designed to accelerate Pathé’s international production of films and series while modernizing its network of 130 cinemas and 1,316 screens across Europe and Africa.
• The announcement comes on the eve of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, where Pathé will showcase two of its productions, including the festival's opening film.
• Pathé had previously explored a 2024 IPO and a 2021 merger with rival UGC, but neither option materialized, leading to this landmark deal.
• Rodolphe Saadé emphasized the partnership's goal of promoting French cinematic culture globally and fostering collaboration with international talent.