Canal+ Secures Approval to Acquire MultiChoice, Takes Control of DStv and GOtv

French media giant Canal+ has received conditional approval from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal to acquire MultiChoice Group, the parent company of popular satellite TV platforms DStv and GOtv. The deal, valued at R125 per share (approximately $3 billion), gives Canal+ full control of MultiChoice after years of gradual share acquisition. 

This development marks a significant shake-up in Africa’s pay-TV industry, with Canal+ set to become the dominant player across the continent.

As part of the approval terms, Canal+ must adhere to several public interest commitments, including an investment of R26 billion in local content production, sports, and support for Black-owned businesses over the next three years. It is also barred from initiating any retrenchments within that period. 

Additionally, MultiChoice’s South African broadcasting licences will be housed in a new entity known as LicenceCo, which will comply with local ownership regulations by maintaining a minimum of 51% Black economic ownership.

Industry analysts believe this acquisition will create a pay-TV and streaming powerhouse in Africa, enabling Canal+ to scale beyond its Francophone market base. MultiChoice's strong footprint in Anglophone regions and its streaming service, Showmax, could be integrated into Canal+’s wider digital strategy. 

The deal still awaits final regulatory clearance from ICASA, South Africa's broadcast regulator, before full implementation.