CANAL+ COMPLETES $3 BILLION TAKEOVER OF MULTICHOICE, BECOMING AFRICA’S DOMINANT PAY TV GIANT

French media powerhouse Canal+ has completed its $3 billion purchase of South Africa’s MultiChoice, securing full control of Africa’s top pay-TV platforms, DStv and GOtv. A subsidiary of Vivendi, Canal+ had previously held a 45.2% stake in MultiChoice and began increasing its shareholding in 2020 as part of its African expansion strategy. The acquisition now grants Canal+ complete ownership, solidifying its position as Africa’s leading pay-TV provider.

South Africa’s Competition Tribunal approved the deal on July 23, 2025, with finalization expected by October 8, 2025, pending approval from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa. Under the agreement, Canal+ will invest approximately 26 billion rand over the next three years to boost local content production, sports broadcasting, and media-related small businesses. To comply with South African regulations capping foreign ownership of broadcasting licenses at 20%, MultiChoice will establish LicenceCo, a new entity majority-owned by South Africans, to hold its licenses.

MultiChoice serves over 14 million subscribers across 50 sub-Saharan African countries, while Canal+ reaches about 8 million subscribers in 25 African markets. Combined, they will cater to more than 22 million households, offering content in English, Portuguese, French, and local African languages, along with live sports. The acquisition strengthens Canal+’s ability to compete with global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The company aims to enhance MultiChoice’s streaming service, Showmax, and introduce new technologies to improve user experience.

Canal+ will retain MultiChoice’s South African headquarters and has committed to safeguarding jobs for at least three years. Additionally, it will launch training programs for local media professionals and continue collaborating with the South African Broadcasting Corporation to deliver locally produced content. Marking one of Africa’s largest-ever media deals, this acquisition expands Canal+’s footprint on the continent while fostering homegrown talent and storytelling.