French media powerhouse Canal+ has secured full ownership of MultiChoice Group, the company behind DStv and GOtv, in a landmark deal worth $3 billion (about 55 billion rand). The deal, now approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal, marks a major shift in Africa’s broadcasting sector and gives Canal+ full access to MultiChoice’s wide network of more than 14.5 million subscribers across 50 countries.
With this acquisition, Canal+ now controls some of the continent’s most influential media brands including SuperSport, Africa Magic, M-Net, and Showmax. The transaction is expected to be finalized by October 8, 2025, pending final sign-off from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
The French company, a subsidiary of Vivendi SE, began its interest in MultiChoice back in 2020. It quietly built up its stake to 45.2% before launching a full buyout at R125 per share, valuing the company at around $3 billion. With the remaining 55% stake now secured, Canal+ is set to expand its presence in Africa’s fast-growing media and entertainment sector.
As part of the deal, Canal+ has committed to spending R26 billion over the next three years to support local content, protect jobs, and ensure MultiChoice’s operations remain rooted in South Africa. The agreement includes keeping MultiChoice’s headquarters in the country, maintaining investments in South African sports and entertainment, and helping local content creators grow.
To meet South Africa’s broadcasting regulations, which cap foreign ownership of licensed broadcasters at 20%, MultiChoice has established a new entity called LicenceCo. This company will hold the domestic broadcasting licence separately, ensuring that local ownership and control is preserved under national law.
Canal+ says the acquisition is more than a financial investment. The company aims to blend its French-language programming with MultiChoice’s English and Portuguese content, creating a multilingual media network capable of serving Africa’s diverse audience. Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada described it as a strategic step towards building a unified, tech-forward media platform for the continent.
MultiChoice Chairman Elias Masilela welcomed the buyout, calling it a show of confidence in the company’s direction and in Africa’s long-term value. “The offer from Canal+ endorses MultiChoice’s 40-year track record and our strategy for growth across the continent. It is a clear signal that Africa remains an attractive market for long-term investment,” he said.
For viewers and the broader tech ecosystem, this deal brings fresh potential. Canal+ is expected to drive more investment into streaming infrastructure, smarter content delivery, and regional partnerships.
