French media behemoth Canal+ has acquired MultiChoice Group in a staggering $3 billion deal, a move set to profoundly reshape Africa’s entertainment landscape.

After months of regulatory review and complex negotiations, South Africa’s Competition Tribunal approved the takeover on July 23, 2025. This decision allows Canal+ to integrate MultiChoice’s pay-TV services, DStv and GOtv.

Canal+, a subsidiary of Vivendi, first bought shares in MultiChoice in 2020. Since then, it invested €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) to reach a 45.2% stake. Now, it will complete this takeover by October 8, 2025, once the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa issues a final license.

This monumental deal signifies Canal+’s aggressive ambition to bolster its foothold in Africa’s burgeoning media sector. The French giant will leverage MultiChoice’s impressive 40-year legacy and its vast subscriber base, particularly expanding into critical English-speaking markets.

Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada called the deal a “significant step” in the company’s expansion across Africa. He said the acquisition will strengthen Canal+’s presence in English-speaking markets and boost its competitive edge against global streaming platforms.

Meanwhile, the acquisition also grants Canal+ control over major content platforms including Showmax and SuperSport. Together, these platforms serve nearly 50 million subscribers across the continent. Canal+ plans to build on MultiChoice’s 40-year legacy and vast customer base.

To comply with South Africa’s rule that caps foreign ownership of broadcasting licenses at 20%, MultiChoice created a new company called LicenceCo. LicenceCo will hold the domestic license. The Competition Commission also set conditions. Canal+ must invest in local audiovisual content and promote South African productions abroad.

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As part of the approval, the companies will fund a R26 billion package over three years. This support will target Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDP) and small businesses in South Africa’s audio‑visual industry.

MultiChoice Chairman Elias Masilela welcomed the deal. He said it proves investor faith in Africa’s growth. He added that the acquisition will inject much-needed capital and spur innovation.

Canal+ and MultiChoice expect limited immediate changes for DStv and GOtv subscribers. In the long term, they plan to offer more international content, including French-language shows and exclusive sports rights. Industry analysts predict new subscription bundles, better streaming technology, and enhanced user interfaces.

Both companies share a strong commitment to local content, and this acquisition could significantly amplify investment in African productions.