*Videotron gets $200M from U.S. investor

Montreal-based Le Groupe Videotron has announced a $200-million strategic and financial alliance with a u.s. global investment firm the Carlyle Group.

Under the deal, Washington, d.c.-based Carlyle acquires convertible preferred equity in Videotron Telecom, a wholly owned subsidiary of Le Groupe Videotron. Carlyle will own nearly 29% of the common stock in vtl once the preferred shares are converted.

vtl operates a fiber-optic network that covers more than 7,000 route kilometers across the province.

Videotron says it will put the $200-million cash infusion toward new acquisitions or building infrastructure for what is to become a national Telecom network.

*Canucks score two International Emmys

Karen Kain: Dancing In The Moment and Let it Come Down: The Life of Paul Bowles both scored an International Emmy at the 27th annual International Emmy Awards, held Nov. 22 in New York.

Karen Kain: Dancing In The Moment picked up an Emmy in the performing arts category. The hour-long special is produced by Veronica Tennant and directed by Joan Tosoni for the cbc.

Let it Come Down: The Life of Paul Bowles garnered the best arts documentary prize. The film is directed by Jennifer Baichwal, produced by Requisite Productions, and executive produced by Rhombus Media’s Daniel Iron.

This edition of the International Emmys received a record of more than 500 entries from around the world.

*ROBTv online

Based in Toronto, the business specialty robtv can now be seen anytime, anywhere over the Internet at www.robtv.com. Accessed directly or through the Globe and Mail website, the online version of robtv will feature the channel’s programming as it airs as well as a seven-day archive of programs, quarterly and annual financial results and stock quotes.

*SODEC remakes website

Quebec certification and funding agency sodec has launched an expanded website (www.sodec. gouv.qc.ca). The site includes annual updates on Quebec film statistics, information on film and tv funding programs for production and development, export assistance and tax credits. There is also a connected list of related websites including (www.quebec .audiovisuel.com), a research facility which includes extensive film biographies, information on the apftq producers association and export group Horizon Quebec.

*Wimzie causes U.S. licensing expansion

The popularity of Cinar’s pre-school property Wimzie’s House has encouraged Cinar to expand the show’s licensing program in the u.s. Cinar is seeking licensees in apparel and accessories and has already signed on JC Kids, Braha Industries and Gurilla Biscuit Entertainment Company, which will all launch products for fall 2000.