Canal+ Acquires MultiChoice For $3 Billion, Takes Over DStv, GOtv

Canal+ has acquired MultiChoice in a $3 billion deal.
The deal gives Canal+ full control of DStv and GOtv.
Regulatory approval came with conditions on local content investment.

French media conglomerate Canal+ has finalised its acquisition of South Africa’s MultiChoice Group in a landmark $3 billion deal, securing full ownership of the pay-TV giants DStv and GOtv.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the deal, which had been under regulatory scrutiny for months, was approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Canal+, which already owned a 45.2% stake in MultiChoice, will now take full control of the company after acquiring the remaining shares.

The transaction, worth around 55 billion rand, is expected to be concluded by October 8, 2025, pending final approval from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.

In a statement filed with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada described the approval as a major milestone. “This acquisition represents a significant step in expanding our presence across Africa, particularly in English-speaking markets,” Saada said.

MultiChoice, with a subscriber base of nearly 50 million across Africa, has been a dominant force in the continent’s broadcasting space for decades. The company, spun off from Naspers in 2019, is known for its strong offering of local content, sports, and entertainment through DStv and GOtv platforms.

MultiChoice Chairman Elias Masilela called the acquisition a strong endorsement of the company’s growth potential. “It is gratifying to note that foreign investors share our view that South Africa and Africa remain attractive growth markets,” he said.

Canal+ Acquires MultiChoice For $3 Billion

To meet legal requirements on foreign broadcasting ownership, MultiChoice has created a new entity, LicenceCo, to hold its domestic broadcasting licence separately. The Competition Commission had earlier given conditional approval, mandating Canal+ to support local productions and South African content in global markets.