In a landmark deal set to reshape Africa’s media landscape, French broadcasting powerhouse Canal+ has completed a $3 billion acquisition of South African pay-TV leader MultiChoice Group, securing full ownership of its flagship platforms, DStv and GOtv.
The merger, valued at around 55 billion rand, was officially approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, clearing a major regulatory hurdle. Canal+ had been steadily increasing its stake in MultiChoice since 2020, culminating in this full buyout after already owning 45.2% of the company.
The deal is expected to reach full closure by October 8, 2025, pending final clearance from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
In a statement published through the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada praised the approval, calling it “the final stage in the South African competition process” and a critical milestone in the company’s growth on the continent.
“This acquisition represents a significant step in expanding our presence across Africa, especially in English-speaking regions,” Saada stated.
The takeover will allow Canal+ to tap into MultiChoice’s vast reach—nearly 50 million subscribers across Africa—and build on its legacy of over 40 years in local broadcasting and sports coverage.
MultiChoice, once a part of tech giant Naspers before becoming independent in 2019, has long dominated African pay-TV markets through rich local programming, sports content, and original productions.
Commenting on the acquisition, MultiChoice Chairman Elias Masilela described the deal as a strong endorsement of both the company’s vision and Africa’s long-term potential.
“Canal+’s offer validates our growth strategy and confirms that Africa remains a highly attractive market for global media players,” he said.
To align with South Africa’s broadcasting laws—specifically, the 20% cap on foreign ownership of local broadcast licences—MultiChoice has created a new holding company named LicenceCo to manage its South African broadcasting licence independently.
The country’s Competition Commission had earlier recommended approval with conditions. Canal+ must commit to promoting South African productions internationally and investing in the local audiovisual sector as part of the agreement.
As this deal moves toward completion, it signals the beginning of a new chapter for African media—one that promises broader content distribution, deeper investment in regional storytelling, and stronger competition in the rapidly evolving streaming and broadcasting space.
–Deeprows News
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