Groupe M6 interim results: January to September 2018

Over the nine months 2018, Groupe M6 reported consolidated revenue of €997.0 million an increase of 12.5 per cent in comparison with the nine months to the end of September 2017, as a result of the integration of the radio division (January to September 2017: €886.2 million).

Consolidated EBITA for the nine months ending September 2018 was €179.7 million, an increase of 12.4 per cent in relation to the first nine months of 2017 (January to September 2017: €159.9 million). This growth reflects the dynamism of the TV division and the integration of the radio division. Margin from recurring operations remained at a high level, at 18.0 per cent (as for the first 9 months of 2017).

In the same period, group share of net profit rose to €125.8 million, a year-on-year increase of €31.3 million, thanks to the growth in EBITA, the capital gain from the sale of monAlbumPhoto (€12.4 million), and the net profit posted by Football Club Girondins de Bordeaux (up €3.6 million), reflecting the success of the group's strategy of combining its continued investments in its core business and the turnover of its diversification portfolio.

Groupe M6 announced that it has finalised the sale of the Football Club Girondins de Bordeaux to the US investment fund General American Capital Partners (GACP) for €100 million. The transaction improves the group's overall cash position by €84 million, equivalent to the receipts related to the transaction to date with the €16 million balance being carried over into 2019 and 2020.

Following the resignation of Cécile Frot-Coutaz, the Supervisory Board of Groupe M6, at its meeting of 5 November 2018, co-opted Juliette Valains , Vice Président Global Operations Management Digital & Diversification of RTL Group, to replace her for the remainder of her term of office, i.e. until the Annual General Meeting to be held in 2019.

Moreover, the Supervisory Board noted the appointment on 13 October 2018 by the Social and Economic Committee of Métropole Télévision of Sophie de Bourgues, Group Deputy General Counsel, as a member of the Board representing employees, for a 4-year term of office ending 13 October 2022.

On 8 November 2018, RTL Group will publish its results for the nine months ending 30 September 2018. In the press release of RTL Group 2017 comparatives have been re-presented as if the transfer of RTL Radio (France) to Groupe M6 has occurred on 1 January 2017.