11:38 AM EDT, 03/26/2025 (MT Newswires) -- BCE (BCE.TO) on Wednesday said its Bell Media unit bolstered its partnership with Montreal-based Sphere Media by acquiring a majority stake in content distributor Sphere Abacus. Financial terms were not disclosed.

As part of the acquisition, U.K.-based Sphere Abacus becomes the primary international distributor of Bell Media-owned distribution rights.

"Late last year, we set the expansion of our global content distribution business as a core strategic priority. It's gratifying to see that vision realized through our partnership with Sphere Media and Sphere Abacus," said Sean Cohan, President, Bell Media.

Following the close of the acquisition, the combined Sphere Abacus and Bell Media catalogue will feature more than 5,500 hours of premium content, the statement added.

BCE shares were last seen down $0.13 to $32.07, on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Price: 32.07, Change: -0.13, Percent Change: -0.40