Canal+ extends deadline for MultiChoice takeover

Canal+ Extends MultiChoice Takeover Deadline to October 2025

French broadcasting powerhouse Canal+ has extended the deadline for finalizing its acquisition of South Africa’s MultiChoice from April 8, 2025, to October 8, 2025. This additional time will allow the company to establish a licensing entity (LicenceCo) that meets South Africa’s foreign ownership regulations, a critical requirement for the deal’s approval.

Canal+’s Long-Standing Interest in MultiChoice

Canal+ has been eyeing MultiChoice for years, recognizing the pay-TV giant as a key entry point into Africa’s lucrative media market. The French company first acquired a 6.5% stake in MultiChoice in 2020, gradually increasing its ownership to 41.6% by April 2024—a move that triggered a mandatory takeover offer under South African law. In response, Canal+ proposed to buy the remaining shares at R125 ($6.74) per share.

Initially, the acquisition was set to close by April 2025, but regulatory roadblocks, particularly restrictions on foreign ownership in broadcasting, have caused delays. The situation became even more complex after Canal+ separated from its former parent company, Vivendi, in December 2024 and launched an independent listing on the London Stock Exchange. Despite these hurdles, the deadline extension signals Canal+’s continued commitment to finalizing the deal under its new corporate structure.

Navigating South Africa’s Regulatory Landscape

To comply with local laws, LicenceCo will be created to hold South Africa’s pay-TV license and manage DStv subscribers. This new entity will be majority-controlled by South African stakeholders, including:

• Phuthuma Nathi
• Identity Partners
• Itai Consortium
• Afrifund Consortium
• A Workers’ Trust

Meanwhile, MultiChoice Group will transition from being a broadcaster to a content supplier, aligning with the legal framework required for Canal+ to take over its operations.

A Strategic Move to Dominate Africa’s Media Market

For Canal+, acquiring MultiChoice is a game-changing strategy to expand its footprint in Africa’s rapidly growing pay-TV and streaming sectors. MultiChoice is already the continent’s largest pay-TV provider, and this takeover would strengthen Canal+’s position against global streaming giants, as it targets a subscriber base of 100 million users.

What This Means for Africa’s Entertainment Industry

A successful takeover could lead to:

·       Increased investment in local content production

·        Better streaming options and improved technology

·        More competitive pricing for pay-tv and digital services

However, strict regulatory oversight and local content requirements will shape how Canal+ operates in the region, ensuring it aligns with South Africa’s broadcasting policies.

For now, the focus remains on finalizing the regulatory framework before the October 2025 deadline, paving the way for one of the most significant media acquisitions in Africa’s history.