MultiChoice has officially become a wholly owned subsidiary of French media company Canal+, completing a landmark acquisition that places one of Africa’s largest pay television operators under the ownership of a global media group operating in 70 countries.
The transaction marks a major milestone in the consolidation of Africa’s media and entertainment industry, positioning MultiChoice to benefit from Canal+’s global scale, financial strength and extensive content portfolio as competition intensifies across the continent’s broadcasting and streaming markets.
Announcing the completion of the integration on Thursday, the Chief Executive Officer of Canal+ Africa and MultiChoice, David Mignot, said the transaction marks the beginning of a new chapter for the South Africa-based broadcaster as it joins a global media organisation.
He said the acquisition positions MultiChoice for its next phase of growth by leveraging Canal+’s international scale, financial strength and content capabilities.
“MultiChoice is now a full subsidiary of a truly international media group operating in 70 countries.
“The group was founded in France, is listed in London and Johannesburg, and has a strong African presence with operations in more than 45 countries,” Mignot said in a statement.
The acquisition brings together Canal+’s international operations and MultiChoice’s extensive presence across sub-Saharan Africa, where the broadcaster serves millions of households through its DStv and GOtv pay television platforms, as well as its streaming service, Showmax.
Canal+ said the integration would enhance MultiChoice’s competitive position by giving it access to the group’s global expertise, advanced technology, content partnerships and operational capabilities, while reaffirming its long-term commitment to Africa.
The combined business is expected to increase investment in local content production, sports broadcasting and streaming services as competition intensifies with global platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, which continue to expand their footprint across the continent.
For MultiChoice, the acquisition provides greater access to international markets, capital and operational resources as traditional pay television operators adapt to changing consumer viewing habits and intensifying competition from digital-first streaming platforms.
For Canal+, the deal secures full ownership of a business operating in more than 45 African countries, significantly expanding its footprint and reinforcing its position as one of the continent’s largest media and entertainment groups.
The acquisition follows Canal+’s gradual increase in its stake in MultiChoice, a process that began in 2024. After raising its shareholding above the regulatory threshold, the French media group launched a mandatory offer in April 2024 to acquire the remaining shares of the Johannesburg-listed broadcaster.
