By JKNewsMedia
FRENCH MEDIA conglomerate Canal+ has finalised its acquisition of MultiChoice Group in a transaction valued at $3 billion, gaining full ownership of the South African pay-TV operator and its flagship platforms DStv and GOtv.
According to a joint statement issued on Monday, the transaction has become unconditional following approvals and shareholder acceptances.
Canal+ confirmed it now holds direct ownership of 46 percent of MultiChoice shares, with an additional 2.2 percent secured through shareholder agreements, taking the stake to 48.2 percent.
The acquisition was concluded at a purchase price of 125 rand per share and has been described by the companies as the largest deal of its kind.
The statement outlined that the combined entity would serve over 40 million subscribers in nearly 70 countries spanning Africa, Europe, and Asia.
The expanded operations will be supported by a workforce of approximately 17,000 employees.
As part of the structural changes accompanying the acquisition, Canal+ announced a reconstituted leadership team.
Maxime Saada, chief executive officer of Canal+, has been appointed chairman of MultiChoice’s restructured board. David Mignot will lead Canal+’s African operations, now inclusive of MultiChoice, as chief executive officer, while Nicolas Dandoy has been named chief financial officer.
MultiChoice’s former chief executive, Calvo Mawela, has assumed the position of chair of Canal+ Africa.
The companies explained that the merger has been designed to comply with South Africa’s foreign ownership rules.
Previous voting restrictions for non-South African shareholders have been lifted, while Canal+ has committed to maintaining its financial support for locally produced entertainment and sports programming.
“Today marks an important step forward for Canal+, as we begin to integrate MultiChoice to create a group with enhanced scale, reach and creativity,” Saada said in the statement.
He added that the enlarged group intends to deepen investments in creative and sporting content across its international markets.
Mawela described the completed transaction as “an exciting new journey for Africa’s media industry.”
Mignot stated that the integration would leverage digital innovation to expand access to content and “give Africa a stronger voice on the world stage.”
Canal+ indicated that it will provide a strategic update on synergies and growth plans in the first quarter of 2026.
The company said the deal follows the final approval granted on 23 July 2025 by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal, allowing the French company to proceed with its acquisition of MultiChoice.
