Canal+ Acquires MultiChoice in $3 Billion Deal, Gains Full Control of DStv and GOtv

In a landmark move for the African media landscape, French media conglomerate Canal+ has acquired full ownership of MultiChoice Group, the parent company of DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, and Showmax, in a $3 billion (approximately 55 billion rand) deal. The acquisition, finalized on July 23, 2025, after approval by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal, marks a significant consolidation in the African pay-TV and streaming market, positioning Canal+ as a dominant player in the region’s entertainment sector.

A Strategic Acquisition

Canal+, a subsidiary of the Vivendi Group, previously held a 45% stake in MultiChoice. The deal grants the French giant the remaining 55%, giving it complete control over MultiChoice’s extensive portfolio. The transaction, set to close by October 8, 2025, integrates MultiChoice’s 14.5 million subscribers across 50 sub-Saharan African countries with Canal+’s existing operations, which already serve over 8 million subscribers in 25 African markets. The combined entity aims to leverage MultiChoice’s English and Portuguese-language platforms, including DStv, GOtv, and Showmax, alongside Canal+’s French-language content to create a multilingual media powerhouse.

Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada described the acquisition as “transformative,” emphasizing the enhanced scale and exposure to high-growth African markets. “This deal strengthens our position to compete with global streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime,” Saada said in a statement. “Our ambition is to grow our subscriber base to between 50 and 100 million in Africa, delivering world-class entertainment while amplifying local stories.”

Regulatory Conditions and Local Commitments

The South African Competition Tribunal approved the deal with stringent public interest conditions to safeguard local content and media sovereignty. Canal+ has committed to investing 26 billion rand over the next three years in local content production, sports broadcasting, and job retention. The Tribunal also mandated that MultiChoice’s headquarters remain in South Africa, ensuring the company continues to contribute to the local economy. Additionally, Canal+ pledged to support South African creators and maintain the prominence of local sports, particularly through SuperSport, a leading broadcaster of football and other sports across the continent.

These conditions address concerns raised by local stakeholders about foreign control over African media. Critics, including some industry analysts, have expressed worries that the acquisition could dilute African narratives in favor of globalized content. However, Canal+ has emphasized its long-standing presence in Africa and its commitment to promoting local talent and stories.

Impact on the African Media Market

The acquisition consolidates Canal+’s foothold in Africa’s rapidly growing media market, where pay-TV and streaming services are gaining traction amid increasing internet penetration and mobile device usage. MultiChoice’s DStv and GOtv platforms dominate the pay-TV sector in sub-Saharan Africa, while Showmax has emerged as a key player in the streaming space, competing with international services like Netflix and Disney+. By merging its operations with MultiChoice, Canal+ gains access to a vast subscriber base and a robust content distribution network, including satellite TV, terrestrial TV, and digital streaming.

The deal also positions Canal+ to capitalize on Africa’s demographic trends, including a young, tech-savvy population and growing middle class. Analysts predict that the combined entity will accelerate investments in original African content, potentially rivaling global platforms while catering to diverse linguistic and cultural audiences across the continent.

Public and Industry Reactions

Public reactions to the acquisition have been mixed, particularly among MultiChoice’s core audience of sports fans and entertainment consumers. On platforms like X, football fans have voiced skepticism about DStv and GOtv’s long-term relevance, citing the availability of free streaming alternatives for major sports events. One user posted, “Why pay for DStv when you can stream Premier League games for free? Canal+ better innovate fast.” Others expressed excitement about the potential for enhanced content offerings, with one user noting, “If Canal+ brings its French flair to Showmax, we might get some dope new shows.”

Industry observers have highlighted both opportunities and challenges. The acquisition could drive investment in high-quality African productions, but it also raises questions about market competition and pricing. MultiChoice has faced criticism in recent years for high subscription costs, prompting some subscribers to turn to cheaper or free alternatives. Canal+ will need to balance profitability with affordability to retain and grow its customer base.

A New Era for African Entertainment

The Canal+-MultiChoice deal marks a pivotal moment for the African media industry, signaling the growing importance of the continent in the global entertainment landscape. By combining MultiChoice’s established infrastructure with Canal+’s international expertise, the merged entity is poised to redefine how African audiences consume content. From local dramas to live sports and global blockbusters, the partnership aims to deliver a diverse, high-quality viewing experience.

As the October 8 closing date approaches, all eyes will be on Canal+ to deliver on its promises of investment and innovation. For now, the acquisition underscores Africa’s potential as a media powerhouse, with Canal+ and MultiChoice at the forefront of this dynamic evolution.