Group Gets Approval To Acquire Multichoice’s DSTV, GOTV
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that French media giant Canal+ has received approval from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal for its planned acquisition of MultiChoice Group, clearing the final regulatory hurdle in the deal.
The green light paves the way for Canal+ to take full control of Africa’s largest pay-TV provider, which operates prominent platforms such as DStv and GOtv.
According to Reuters, Canal+ has made a mandatory cash offer of ZAR 125 ($7.11) per share to acquire all outstanding ordinary shares of MultiChoice not already owned by the company.
The Competition Tribunal’s approval is contingent on several public interest commitments. These include increasing the participation of historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) and supporting small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) within South Africa’s audiovisual industry. Canal+ also pledged to maintain investment in local general entertainment and sports content.
As part of the agreement, Canal+ and MultiChoice will proceed with a structural plan—first outlined in February—that aligns with South Africa’s Electronic Communications Act. The plan involves spinning off MultiChoice’s South African broadcasting licensee into a separate, HDP-majority-owned entity.
Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada called the tribunal’s decision “the final stage in the South African competition process,” and said it enables the companies to move ahead with the transaction. Saada noted that the combined entity will benefit from greater scale, access to high-growth markets, and operational synergies.
The acquisition aligns with Canal+’s post-Vivendi strategy to pursue an active mergers and acquisitions agenda, as previously reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela welcomed the ruling, calling it a “significant milestone” and highlighting the strategic alignment and shared community values of the two companies.
The deal is expected to close before October 8.
