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CANAL+ ACQUIRES FULL OWNERSHIP OF MULTICHOICE IN $3 BILLION DEAL
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CapitalTimesNews / 6 months
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- 2 min read
French media conglomerate Canal+ has finalized its acquisition of MultiChoice Group, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, in a landmark $3 billion deal approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal on July 23, 2025. The acquisition marks a significant shift in Africa’s broadcasting landscape, giving Canal+ unprecedented influence over content, pricing, and access to media across sub-Saharan Africa. With MultiChoice operating in over 50 African countries and reaching millions of households, the move has sparked unease over the implications of foreign ownership, particularly from France, a country increasingly viewed with suspicion in several parts of Africa. Critics warn that the deal could deepen concerns over media independence and cultural sovereignty. “This essentially means that millions of Africans will have their media consumption shaped by a company headquartered in Paris,” said one media analyst. “And that comes at a time when anti-French sentiments are growing sharply across the continent.” Despite these fears, Canal+ has stated its commitment to supporting local productions and maintaining MultiChoice’s strong African identity. The company has pledged to invest approximately 26 billion rand over the next three years in local content production, sports broadcasting, and support for local creators. The acquisition is expected to inject new capital into MultiChoice, enabling investments in digital innovation, technology upgrades, and locally-produced programming. Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada described the deal as “transformative,” stating that the combined group will benefit from enhanced scale, greater exposure to high-growth markets, and the ability to deliver meaningful synergies. The deal is set to be finalized by October 8, 2025, with MultiChoice’s headquarters remaining in South Africa. As the media landscape evolves under Canal+’s leadership, all eyes are on how public perception will shift and how the company will balance its global vision with the cultural and economic diversity of its new African audience.
