The MultiChoice Canal+ takeover did not happen overnight. Instead, it followed a carefully planned acquisition process that began several years ago.
Canal+, the French media company owned by Vivendi, first started acquiring shares in MultiChoice in 2020. Over the following years, it steadily increased its investment until it became the broadcaster’s largest shareholder.
By early 2024, Canal+ had accumulated more than 35 percent of MultiChoice’s shares. Under South African takeover regulations, that threshold triggered a mandatory offer to purchase the remaining shares it did not already own.
In April 2024, Canal+ formally offered to buy the rest of MultiChoice in a transaction valued at approximately R55 billion, or about $3 billion at the time.
However, the acquisition faced significant regulatory challenges. South African broadcasting laws restrict foreign ownership of broadcasting licences to 20 percent of voting rights. To satisfy those requirements, Canal+ and MultiChoice restructured parts of the business by separating the broadcasting licence holder from the wider entertainment operations.
Following approvals from competition and communications regulators in South Africa and other African markets, the companies completed the transaction in 2026.
Acquisition Expands MultiChoice’s Capabilities
The completed merger is expected to strengthen MultiChoice’s position in Africa’s rapidly evolving media industry.
The acquisition provides the company with greater access to Canal+’s technology, operational expertise, financial resources, and international content partnerships.
In addition, Canal+ reaffirmed its long-term commitment to investing in African entertainment, local productions, and digital innovation.
As competition intensifies among traditional broadcasters and global streaming platforms, the combined company hopes to strengthen its leadership across key African markets.
DStv, GOtv and Showmax Remain Central to Growth
MultiChoice continues to serve millions of subscribers across sub-Saharan Africa through its flagship platforms, including DStv, GOtv, and Showmax.
These services offer sports, movies, television series, documentaries, news, children’s programming, and locally produced content. Over the years, they have helped MultiChoice establish itself as one of Africa’s most recognised entertainment companies.
With Canal+’s backing, the broadcaster expects to enhance its digital platforms, improve customer experiences, and expand premium content offerings throughout the continent.
What the Merger Means for Africa
The MultiChoice Canal+ takeover comes at a time when the global entertainment industry is changing rapidly.
Consumers increasingly demand streaming services, exclusive sports rights, and original local programming. As a result, media companies are pursuing strategic mergers and acquisitions to remain competitive.
Industry analysts believe the combination of Canal+’s international reach and MultiChoice’s dominant African subscriber base creates a stronger competitor to global streaming giants such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
The partnership is also expected to drive greater investment in African storytelling, multilingual productions, sports broadcasting, and next-generation streaming technology.
The MultiChoice Canal+ takeover represents one of the most significant developments in Africa’s media industry in recent years. After a multi-year acquisition process and extensive regulatory approvals, MultiChoice has officially become part of a global media organisation operating in 70 countries.
Looking ahead, the integration is expected to accelerate innovation, strengthen content production, and expand entertainment choices for millions of viewers across Africa. With DStv, GOtv, and Showmax remaining at the centre of its operations, MultiChoice enters a new era backed by Canal+’s global resources and long-term investment strategy.
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