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French media giant Canal+ has bought MultiChoice, the owner of DStv and GOtv, for $3 billion (R55 billion). The deal, approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal on July 23, gives Canal+ full control after owning 45% before. The sale should close by October 8, 2025.
Conditions Set to Protect Local Content
The Tribunal approved the deal but added rules to keep local content and jobs safe. Canal+ must spend R26 billion in three years on South African projects, like local shows and sports. MultiChoice’s HQ will stay in South Africa.
**Big Move for Canal+ in Africa**
Canal+ already has 8 million subscribers in 25 African countries. With MultiChoice’s 14.5 million subscribers in 50 countries, the merger creates a huge pay-TV leader in Africa. Canal+ aims to reach 50-100 million subscribers soon.
Why It Matters
– Stronger Together: Combines Canal+’s French content with MultiChoice’s English and Portuguese shows.
– More Investment: MultiChoice gets new funds for better tech and local content.
– African Focus: Both companies promise to keep backing South African creators and sports.
Canal+ first offered to buy MultiChoice in 2023 at R125 per share. Now, the deal is done, changing Africa’s pay-TV market for good.
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