September 22, 2025
By Tobi Akinnubi
French media conglomerate Canal+ has completed the takeover of South African pay-TV operator MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv and GOtv.
The deal, valued at about 35 billion rand ($2.02 billion), was finalised after the companies satisfied all regulatory and public interest conditions set by South African authorities.
Canal+ confirmed it now holds a controlling stake in MultiChoice, having acquired more than 46 per cent of shares directly, along with an additional 2.2 per cent through tenders.
As part of the agreement, MultiChoice’s South African broadcasting licence has been transferred into a separate entity to comply with foreign ownership rules. Canal+ has also committed to investing in local content, supporting small businesses, protecting jobs and retaining MultiChoice’s headquarters in South Africa.
The merger creates a combined subscriber base of over 40 million across Africa, Europe and Asia, making the new group one of the largest pay-TV providers in the world.
Leadership changes have also been announced, with MultiChoice chief executive Calvo Mawela stepping down to chair Canal+’s African operations. David Mignot will serve as CEO, while Nicolas Dandoy takes over as CFO of the combined African business.
