For Canal+, the deal represents a major strategic expansion into Africa’s booming media and entertainment market
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — French media conglomerate Canal+ has officially completed its acquisition of full ownership of MultiChoice Group, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, in a landmark $3 billion (approximately 55 billion rand) deal. The acquisition, which grants Canal+ the remaining 55% stake it did not previously own, received approval from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal on Wednesday, July 23.
The Competition Tribunal’s approval follows months of extensive negotiations and regulatory reviews, setting the stage for the deal’s finalization by October 8, 2025. The Tribunal’s green light was contingent upon several public interest conditions designed to safeguard local content and uphold South Africa’s media sovereignty.
For Canal+, this acquisition signifies a major strategic expansion into Africa’s rapidly growing media and entertainment sector. With existing operations in 25 African countries and over eight million subscribers, Canal+ is now poised to significantly scale its presence, aiming for 50 to 100 million subscribers across the continent in the coming years. MultiChoice, recognized as Africa’s largest pay-TV broadcaster, brings over 14.5 million subscribers across 50 sub-Saharan African countries, along with flagship platforms like DStv and GOtv and premium content brands such as SuperSport.