The transaction brings one of the continent's largest broadcasters under the umbrella of a global media group operating in 70 countries, creating a stronger platform to compete in Africa's rapidly evolving broadcasting and streaming industry.
The acquisition marks the culmination of Canal+'s long-term investment strategy in MultiChoice and signals a new chapter for the operator of DStv, GOtv and Showmax, which serves millions of customers across more than 45 African countries.
Announcing the completion of the integration on Thursday, Chief Executive Officer of Canal+ Africa and MultiChoice, David Mignot, described the development as a major milestone that positions the company for broader international growth.
“MultiChoice is now a full subsidiary of a truly international media group operating in 70 countries. The group was founded in France, is listed in London and Johannesburg, and has a strong African presence with operations in more than 45 countries.”
The integration combines Canal+'s global expertise, financial strength and content portfolio with MultiChoice's extensive reach across sub-Saharan Africa. Industry observers believe the partnership could accelerate investments in premium entertainment, local productions and digital innovation as competition continues to intensify.
MultiChoice has built a dominant presence in African broadcasting through its DStv and GOtv pay television platforms, while its streaming service, Showmax, has become a central part of its strategy to compete with international streaming giants.
The acquisition comes at a time when Africa's media sector is undergoing significant transformation, driven by changing consumer viewing habits, increased internet penetration and the rapid growth of streaming services. Traditional pay television operators have also faced mounting pressure from global platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, prompting greater investment in original content and digital distribution.
Canal+ said bringing MultiChoice fully into its global network will provide the broadcaster with greater access to advanced technology, international content partnerships, operational expertise and financial resources needed to strengthen its competitive position across the continent.
The combined business is also expected to increase investment in locally produced content, live sports broadcasting and streaming services—segments widely regarded as key growth drivers for Africa's entertainment industry.
For MultiChoice, the deal offers an opportunity to expand its international reach while adapting to an increasingly digital media environment where viewers are demanding more flexible and on-demand entertainment options.
For Canal+, the acquisition significantly strengthens its footprint in Africa by giving it full control of a broadcaster with operations spanning more than 45 countries, reinforcing its ambition to become one of the continent's leading integrated media and entertainment companies.
The transaction follows Canal+'s gradual increase in its shareholding in MultiChoice, which began in 2024. After surpassing the regulatory ownership threshold, the French media company launched a mandatory offer to acquire the remaining shares of the Johannesburg-listed broadcaster.
Following the completion of regulatory approvals and shareholder acceptance, Canal+ secured control of MultiChoice in 2025 before finalising the integration that has now made the African broadcaster a wholly owned subsidiary.
The acquisition ranks among the largest media transactions involving an African company in recent years and underscores the growing trend of consolidation across the global entertainment industry, as companies seek greater scale, stronger content portfolios and expanded digital capabilities to compete in the streaming era.