French Media Giant Canal+ Acquires MultiChoice in $3bn Deal, Gains Full Control of DStv and GOtv

In a landmark move set to reshape Africa’s broadcast landscape, French media powerhouse Canal+ has secured full ownership of MultiChoice Group—the parent company of DStv and GOtv—in a $3 billion (approx. 55 billion rand) deal finalized on July 23, 2025.

The deal, which grants Canal+ the remaining 55% stake it did not previously hold, was approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal with certain conditions aimed at preserving local media interests and content sovereignty.

> “The combined group will benefit from enhanced scale, greater exposure to high-growth markets, and the ability to deliver meaningful synergies,”
— Maxime Saada, CEO, Canal+

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📺 What This Means for Africa’s Media Space

Canal+ now has strategic access to over 14.5 million subscribers across 50 African countries through MultiChoice.

The deal enables Canal+ to expand from its current 8 million African subscribers to a projected 50–100 million users, leveraging MultiChoice’s reach.

Integration of French, English, and Portuguese content across platforms will serve diverse African audiences like never before.

Major platforms like SuperSport, DStv, and GOtv will benefit from enhanced content delivery and investment.

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🎯 Local Impact & Conditions

The Tribunal’s approval came with key public interest requirements:

Canal+ must invest 26 billion rand over three years in:

Local content development

Sports broadcasting

Technological advancement

Supporting African content creators

MultiChoice’s headquarters must remain in South Africa

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📉 Subscriber Decline & Turning Point

The acquisition follows a tough period for MultiChoice, which recently lost over 243,000 DStv and GOtv subscribers, drawing public criticism in Nigeria and beyond.

The merger is expected to provide fresh capital and strategic alignment, addressing performance concerns and boosting local engagement.

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🌍 A New Chapter in African Entertainment

With full ownership now secured, Canal+ is well-positioned to revolutionize the African pay-TV market by:

Introducing fresh multilingual content

Deepening digital innovation

Elevating African storytelling through sustained investment

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