French media giant Canal+ has finalized its $3 billion acquisition of MultiChoice Group, securing full ownership of Africa’s leading pay-TV operator and taking complete control of DStv and GOtv.
The landmark deal, approved conditionally by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal, marks one of the most significant media takeovers in African history. Canal+, a subsidiary of France’s Vivendi Group, now holds 100% of MultiChoice’s operations, significantly expanding its footprint across English-, Portuguese-, and French-speaking African markets.
As part of the transaction, MultiChoice will separate its South African broadcasting license into a newly created, majority Black-owned company named LicenceCo. This structural adjustment ensures compliance with South Africa’s broadcasting regulations, which limit foreign ownership.
Regulatory approval was granted on the condition that Canal+ commit to substantial public interest obligations. These include an investment of approximately 26 billion rand ($ 1.4) over the next three years into local content production, industry transformation, supplier development, and skills training. The company is also required to maintain existing jobs for at least three years post-acquisition.
With over 20 million subscribers across more than 50 African countries, MultiChoice’s platforms, DStv, GOtv, and Showmax, will now operate under full French ownership. The deal strengthens Canal+’s position in Africa’s rapidly evolving digital and satellite broadcasting landscape and enhances its ability to compete with global streaming services.
The acquisition is expected to be fully completed by October 2025, following final regulatory sign-offs, including from South Africa’s Independent Communications Authority (ICASA).
