Pathé Announces Strategic Partnership with The Searchers

Paris, July 29, 2026 – Pathé is announcing a strategic partnership in the Netherlands and Belgium with film distributor The Searchers through the acquisition of a 50% stake in the company. This partnership enables Pathé to become active in film distribution, as it has already successfully done in France and Switzerland. Furthermore, this collaboration allows Pathé The Netherlands and Belgium to more effectively distribute films produced by Pathé Films, resulting in a richer and more diverse offering of high-quality movies for cinema audiences.   

Jérôme Seydoux, Chairman Pathé, explains: “This strategic investment empowers us to further strengthen our offerings in the Netherlands and Belgium. Just like Pathé successfully distributes films in France and Switzerland, expanding to distribution in the Benelux is a natural step. Through this partnership, we can bring films produced by Pathé Films more successfully and reach a larger audience. This aligns perfectly with our ambition to deliver the best films and customer experiences.”   

The Searchers has been a trusted partner of Pathé the Netherlands and Belgium for years, and their deep expertise in the Benelux market makes them the ideal choice for this strategic collaboration. Pathé-produced films will complement The Searchers’ existing release calendar. Meanwhile, Pathé Netherlands and Belgium remain committed to working closely with other distributors to ensure a broad and varied selection of films for audiences.   

Olivier van den Broeck, Co-founder and Managing Director of The Searchers, shares: “Pathé is a legendary film company that embodies cinema in every fiber of its being while aiming to excel as a modern business in every aspect of the industry. This makes Pathé an exceptional yet natural partner for The Searchers moving forward. By adding Pathé Films to our strong and carefully curated release slate, we considerably increase our impact and expand our offering. Together, we strengthen our unique position as a leading independent distributor of both popular commercial films and distinctive auteur cinema.”