Canal+ Has Officially Completed its Takeover of MultiChoice

Canal+'s takeover of the Multichoice group officially began on 19th September 2025. This dominant French media owned by Vivendi, has operated successfully in Europe television networks, streaming platforms and producing original films and series. Canal+ is one of Europe’s biggest pay-TV providers, and it has already had a footprint in Africa for over 30 years, mainly in French-speaking countries. In recent years, Canal+ has struggled to maintain market share as global giants streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video have tightened their grip on European audiences. Africa, on the other hand, represents an untapped market potential. The continent’s rise in internet penetration and its growth engagement for local and international content have made it a promising frontier for digital media expansion.

The next step is for South Africa’s takeover regulation panel to issue a compliance certificate under section 121(b) of the Companies Act, which is expected soon. The settlement process will begin once issued. With this, Canal+ has secured control of Multichoice, which started by the closing of business last September. The fact that Canal+ already controls Multichoice is the real news. The French media group held 46% of Multichoice shares, excluding, of course, treasury shares. In the weeks since, an additional 2.2% of shares have already been tendered, tightening its grip on Africa’s largest pay-TV operator.

In South Africa, broadcasting and media companies are considered a strategic asset because they shape culture, control information flow, and national identity. That is why takeovers like this aren’t just corporate deals; they demand regulatory approval and political sensitivity. Together, Canal+ and Multichoice will serve over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia creating one of the largest pay-TV and streaming footprints outside the United States. To align with conditions set by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal in July, Multichoice recently restructured its domestic operations. The Multichoice board has also been reshaped with four new directors: David Mignot assumes the role as CEO, Nicolas Dandoy stepped in as CFO, and Calvo Mawela will move to Canal+ to chair its African operations.

The acquisition gives Canal+ a direct line to a far larger customer base, positioning it to challenge both global streaming giants and entrenched local competitors. More than an expansion, it signals a strategic shift rather than fighting for survival in Europe’s crowded streaming market. Canal+ is placing its bet on Africa’s rapidly growing media landscape.

The stakes are high for Multichoice the deal brings deeper capital and global expertise, enhancing its streaming ambitions and content production capabilities. For Canal+ it’s the chance to scale meaningfully in a market where media consumption is accelerating faster than almost anywhere else in the world. For investors the merge highlights a broader trend Africa is.