Nollywood studio and international TV network ROK has been acquired by CANAL+, as the French media group looks to strengthen its content production in Nigeria and across Africa.
Under the deal, ROK will produce thousands more hours of Nollywood movies and original TV series for CANAL+ Group. As part of the transaction, IROKO Ltd will also take full control of the IROKO+ joint venture subscription video on demand (SVOD) platform for French-speaking Africa.
CANAL+ Group will continue to collaborate with IROKO Ltd, with non-exclusive content distribution of ROK content via the IROKOtv SVOD app.
ROK founder, Mary Njoku (pictured), will continue in a leadership role as director general of ROK Productions SAS, and retains a share in the company.
“ROK has captured the imagination of millions of movie fans, and they have truly supported us as we’ve grown the company to celebrate and enjoy our African culture. I’m excited to be taking our platform on the next stage of its journey with CANAL+ Group, who share our passion for creating original content, supporting new talent and together, we have ambitious plans for the future,” said Mary Njoku.
Jacques du Puy, CEO of CANAL+ International said: “Through this acquisition CANAL+ Group is very happy to develop and enhance the catalogue of Nollywood content and expand the ROK brand inside and outside the African continent”.
ROK has produced over 540 movies and 25 original TV series in Lagos since its Studios arm launched in 2013.
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