French media giant Canal+ has successfully acquired South Africa-based MultiChoice Group in a $3 billion deal.
This gives the French company full control of popular pay-TV services DStv and GOtv.
The purchase earned its nod from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, after highly-anticipated takeover.
The deal, valued at approximately 55 billion rand, was confirmed following months of regulatory scrutiny and negotiations.
Canal+, which already held a 45.2% stake in MultiChoice, moved to buy the remaining shares after investing €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) since 2020.
The deal is set to be wrapped up by October 8, 2025, pending final approval from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.
Reacting via a press statement released through the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on Wednesday, Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada stated that the acquisition represents a major step in expanding France’s presence across the African continent.
“The approval by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal marks the final stage in the South African competition process and clears the way for us to conclude the transaction in line with our previously communicated timeline. This acquisition represents a significant step in expanding our presence across Africa, particularly in English-speaking markets,” he said.
MultiChoice Chairman Elias Masilela praised the deal as a vote of confidence in the company’s growth strategy.
He concluded by saying that foreign investors appreciating Africa as a growth market is always a welcome development.
“The offer from Canal+ endorses MultiChoice’s 40-year track record and our compelling continental growth strategy. It is gratifying to note that foreign investors share our view that South Africa and Africa remain attractive growth markets,” he added.
