Before starting a marathon investor day in London on Monday, Canal+ sent one of its most eminent cultural emissaries. Paddington BearThe third installment, released in the U.K. on November 8, had the best start of the year for a U.K.-based film. It’s one of the biggest launches ever for Studio Canal, the Canal+ Group subsidiary that produces and distributes the franchise. Maxime SaadaChairman of the Management Board, is no doubt dreaming of the same success for Canal+’s IPO, scheduled for December 16 on the London Stock Exchange.

The media group is one of three companies, along with Havas and Louis Hachette Group, which are to become independent from Vivendi, according to a plan to be voted on at the shareholders’ meeting on December 9. On Monday, Maxime Saada outlined Canal+’s strategy and outlook to investors. The company, which will be listed in London but…