By Canal+ Finalizes $3 Billion Purchase of DStv and GOtv Parent Company
French media giant Canal+ has officially acquired full ownership of MultiChoice Group, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, in a landmark $3 billion (approximately 55 billion rand) deal that is set to reshape Africa’s pay-TV landscape.
The South African Competition Tribunal granted final approval on Wednesday, July 23, clearing the path for Canal+ to acquire the remaining 55% stake it did not previously own.
The deal, expected to close by October 8, 2025, includes strict conditions aimed at safeguarding local content and preserving South Africa’s media sovereignty.
With this acquisition, Canal+ which already operates in 25 African countries with over eight million subscribers is positioned to significantly expand its presence, targeting up to 100 million subscribers across the continent.
MultiChoice, Africa’s largest pay-TV operator, currently boasts 14.5 million subscribers in 50 sub-Saharan African countries.
Its platforms DStv, GOtv, and SuperSport are widely regarded as industry leaders in content delivery and sports broadcasting.
Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada described the deal as “transformative,” saying:
“The combined group will benefit from enhanced scale, greater exposure to high-growth markets and the ability to deliver meaningful synergies.”
One of the strategic highlights of the merger is the potential integration of French, English, and Portuguese content across the combined platforms, creating a pan-African multilingual media powerhouse.
The acquisition also promises fresh capital injection into MultiChoice, enabling further investment in local content production, digital infrastructure, and technology upgrades.
As part of the Competition Tribunal’s approval conditions, Canal+ has committed to investing about 26 billion rand over the next three years toward initiatives that align with South Africa’s public interest goals.
In a joint statement, both companies pledged to uphold their commitment to African storytelling:
“We will maintain funding for South African general entertainment and sports content, providing local content creators with a strong foundation for future success.”
Canal+ initially launched its takeover bid in 2023, offering 125 rand per share, which valued MultiChoice at approximately $3 billion.
With full ownership now secured, the French media conglomerate is poised to reshape Africa’s media and entertainment sector with bold ambitions for growth and integration.
The deal marks a new chapter for African broadcasting, with Canal+ promising a stronger, more inclusive, and content-rich viewing experience for millions of homes across the continent.
