Canal Plus has acquired video-on-demand outfit MovieSystemit was announced Monday. Founded in 2000, MovieSystem is a leader in the VoDmarket and in 2001 established five-year VoD output deals with Pathe and LucBesson's Europa Corp. along with about 70 other French production companies.

The catalogue now numbers roughly 1,500 titles and isaccessible in France to subscribers of DSL television and high-speed internet.

Canal Plus said the acquisition would allow it to "enterwith force into the VoD market and will reinforce the presence of the CanalPlus group across all distribution technologies."

MovieSystem founders Maxime Japy, a former Pathe Videoexecutive and Emmanuel Montamat will continue to develop the company accordingto Canal Plus.