French media giant Canal+ has gained effective control of MultiChoice after fulfilling all regulatory conditions in its 35 billion rand (about $2.02 billion) takeover offer, rendering the deal unconditional.
Canal+ already held around 46% of MultiChoice shares; with additional tenders, its stake has increased, giving the company full decision-making power over the South African TV broadcaster. The deal had been delayed pending conditions from the South Africa Competition Tribunal. Among those conditions was the creation of a new domestic entity (“LicenceCo”) to hold local broadcasting licenses under majority South African control due to ownership regulations.
MultiChoice operates major television services in Sub-Saharan Africa, including DStv and Showmax, and has approximately 14.5 million subscribers across 50 countries. Canal+ brings its experience and reach, particularly in Francophone markets, into the deal — signaling increased competition in African streaming and broadcast sectors.
The takeover promises substantial investment in local content, protection of jobs, and commitments to historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) and small businesses as part of its public-interest obligations.
