South Africa has decided: The planned takeover of the leading African pay-TV provider MultiChoice by the French media group Canal+ has been recognised by the Competition Tribunal approved subject to conditions. The decision marks a decisive milestone on the way to the merger of two heavyweights in the media sector.

Strategic alliance on the African media market

With an acquisition volume of around 35 billion South African rand (approx. EUR 1.75 billion), Canal+ is pursuing the goal of significantly expanding its presence on the African continent. MultiChoice, known for platforms such as DStv, GOtv and Showmaxis the market leader in the pay-TV segment south of the Sahara. Canal+ - itself a subsidiary of the French conglomerate Vivendi - is strengthening its global expansion strategy with this deal.

Consent with conditions

The South African court has approved the transaction subject to several conditions aimed at achieving this, Economic diversity, local content and job security to promote. The most important requirements include

• Promotion of historically disadvantaged groups (HDPs) in the ownership structure and in the operating business.

• Securing existing jobs as well as commitments to potential future investments in the South African media ecosystem.

• Strengthening local content by investing in South African productions, both for television and streaming.

These requirements correspond to the recommendations of the Competition Commissionwhich had already signalled provisional approval under similar conditions in May 2025.

Licence structure: MultiChoice remains operationally independent

Part of the agreement is a new corporate structure: the operating TV licence will be transferred to a separate unit called "LicenceCo" outsourced. This is to remain based in South Africa and be controlled by local partners with an HDP background. The aim is to maintain South Africa's cultural and regulatory sovereignty in the media sector.

International reactions and outlook

Industry observers see the takeover as a groundbreaking step towards a stronger Consolidation on the African media market. While some are critical of the French expansion, others welcome the potential investments in infrastructure, content and technologies such as Streaming and digital distribution.

The deal is now close to being finalised. As soon as all regulatory processes in other affected markets have been finalised, Canal+ could officially become the majority shareholder of MultiChoice - and thus permanently change the continent's media landscape.

The takeover makes it clear that Africa is increasingly becoming the focus of global media groups. Those who position themselves strategically here will secure access to a young, growing audience with great media potential.