France's Canal+ Group has acquired a 51 percent majority stake in Italian film distributor and producer Lucky Red. The deal, valued at roughly $31 million, aims to foster European synergies without altering management. Lucky Red, founded in 1987, has distributed films by renowned directors and reported strong revenues in recent years.
France's Canal+ Group, through its subsidiary StudioCanal, has purchased a 51 percent stake in Lucky Red, a prominent Italian independent film distribution and production company. The acquisition, announced on February 24, 2026, values the stake at approximately $31 million and represents the latest consolidation in the European film industry.
Lucky Red, based in Rome and established in 1987 by Andrea Occhipinti and Kermit Smith, remains under Occhipinti's control with his 49 percent holding. The company specializes in distributing independent films, producing content, and handling sales. It has distributed around 400 titles from acclaimed directors, including Ang Lee, the Dardenne brothers, Nanni Moretti, Aki Kaurismäki, Hayao Miyazaki, Paolo Sorrentino, Sofia Coppola, Denis Villeneuve, Wes Anderson, and Tim Burton.
Recent releases include "Sentimental Value," "Nouvelle Vague," "Greenland 2: Migration," and the Robbie Williams biopic "Better Man." Notable productions feature Gabriele Mainetti's "Freaks Out," Netflix's first Italian original film "On My Skin," Robin Campillo's "Enzo," and Christophe Honoré's "Marcello Mio." Lucky Red also partners with Italy's Indigo Film in the sales company True Colours.
The deal was signed in Rome by Occhipinti, along with Valerio Scarinci and Stefano Massenzi, and StudioCanal CEO Anna Marsh. It is expected to preserve current management and creative autonomy while enabling strategic partnerships across Europe. In 2024, Lucky Red reported revenues exceeding €50 million ($58.8 million) and a net profit of €3.7 million ($4.35 million). Its 2025 distribution revenues reached nearly €24 million ($28 million), ranking it eighth among Italian distributors.
This move follows other French acquisitions of Italian firms, such as Wild Bunch's purchase of BIM Distribuzione, Mediawan's acquisition of Palomar and Our Films, and Banijay's buyout of Groenlandia.
