Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX) may target France and Germany as its next international markets, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.
Netflix has been seeking the rights to stream popular TV shows and movies in those countries, as well as in other European countries, the Journal reported, citing a person close to the talks between Netflix and U.S. media companies.
If true, the report fits with an earlier report highlighting France and Germany as probable milestones on Netflix's 2014 expansion roadmap. GigaOM noted that Netflix was building out its European PR operation, based in Amsterdam, and seeking candidates with French- and German-language skills.
According to the Journal, France and Germany would be ideal markets for Netflix; broadband penetration is already high and the overall online-video market in Europe has a lot of room for growth. But regulations specific to those countries and competition from a host of regional providers could prove to be hurdles for Netflix.
For more:
- The Wall Street Journal has this report (sub. req.)
- GigaOM has this report
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