Canal+ Completes $3 Billion Acquisition of MultiChoice, Secures Control of DStv and GOtv
French media heavyweight Canal+ has sealed a landmark $3 billion (approximately R55 billion) deal to acquire full ownership of MultiChoice Group, gaining complete control of major African pay-TV platforms DStv and GOtv.
The deal received final approval on Wednesday, July 23, from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal, which sanctioned the acquisition of the remaining 55% stake Canal+ did not previously own. The transaction is expected to be fully finalised by October 8, 2025.
Although the green light marks a significant turning point in Canal+’s long-running bid to expand its footprint in Africa, the Competition Tribunal attached a number of conditions to the deal. These include safeguarding local content production, maintaining the company’s headquarters in South Africa, and upholding media diversity.
With this acquisition, Canal+ significantly strengthens its position in the African media landscape. Already active in 25 African countries and reaching over eight million subscribers, the French group is now poised to accelerate its reach, with an ambitious target of up to 100 million subscribers across the continent.
MultiChoice, Africa’s largest pay-TV operator, brings more than 14.5 million subscribers from 50 sub-Saharan African nations into Canal+’s portfolio. Alongside its flagship platforms DStv and GOtv, MultiChoice also controls premium brands such as SuperSport – making it a valuable strategic asset for Canal+.
“This is a transformative deal,” said Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada. “It allows us to scale in high-growth markets and unlock operational synergies across language, technology, and content.”
One of the most notable outcomes of the merger will be the blending of Canal+’s French-language programming with MultiChoice’s English and Portuguese content offerings – creating a multilingual broadcasting giant tailored for Africa’s diverse audiences.
The acquisition is also expected to revitalise MultiChoice with fresh investment in technology, local programming, and digital infrastructure. As part of the approval conditions, Canal+ has pledged to inject around R26 billion over the next three years into initiatives that align with South Africa’s cultural and economic interests.
In a joint statement, Canal+ and MultiChoice reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing South Africa’s media ecosystem: “We will continue to support homegrown storytelling and sports coverage, providing a platform for local talent to thrive.”
The takeover bid began in 2023, with Canal+ offering shareholders R125 per share – a move that valued MultiChoice at roughly $3 billion. Now with full control, Canal+ is set to reshape the pay-TV sector in Africa, leveraging its resources to unlock the continent’s vast media potential.
