The transaction, announced in a joint statement, positions Canal+ as the direct owner of 46 percent of MultiChoice shares, with an additional 2.2 percent secured through shareholder acceptances.

Valued at 125 rand per share, this deal represents a 48.2 percent stake in what has been described as the largest transaction in the sector. With this acquisition, the companies are expected to serve over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia, supported by a combined workforce of 17,000.

According to the statement, Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+, has been appointed chairman of MultiChoice’s restructured board. David Mignot will lead Canal+’s African operations, including MultiChoice, as CEO, while Nicolas Dandoy takes on the role of CFO. Additionally, Calvo Mawela, the former CEO of MultiChoice, has been named chair of Canal+ Africa.

The merger is accompanied by structural changes to comply with South Africa’s foreign ownership rules. Previous voting restrictions for non-South African shareholders have been lifted, and Canal+ has pledged to continue funding locally produced entertainment and sports content.

“Today marks an important step forward for Canal+, as we begin to integrate MultiChoice to create a group with enhanced scale, reach, and creativity,” Saada stated. He added that the new entity will deepen investments in creative and sporting content across its global footprint.

Mawela described the deal as “an exciting new journey for Africa’s media industry.” Mignot emphasized that the integration would harness digital innovation to expand access and “give Africa a stronger voice on the world stage.”

Canal+ plans to provide a strategic update on expected synergies and growth plans in the first quarter of 2026.

On July 23, 2025, the French company received final approval from the South African competition tribunal to proceed with the acquisition of MultiChoice.