French media giant Canal+ has officially taken control of the MultiChoice Group (MCG) after all conditions tied to its takeover offer were fulfilled or waived, marking one of the most significant mergers in the global media and entertainment industry.
As of Friday, 19 September, the offer by Canal+ to acquire MultiChoice became unconditional, with the group now effectively in charge of Africa’s largest pay-TV broadcaster.
The finalisation awaits a compliance certificate from South Africa’s Takeover Regulation Panel, which is expected imminently.
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According to a joint announcement by the two companies, Canal+ already owns 46% of MCG shares, excluding treasury stock.
An additional 2.2% of shares had been tendered to Canal+ ahead of the announcement, giving it effective control.
“All the shares which are still to be tendered into the Canal+ offer, which is now unconditional, will further increase Canal+’s shareholding in MCG,” the companies stated.
Largest Deal in Canal+ History
This merger marks the largest transaction ever undertaken by Canal+, creating a media powerhouse with over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries, including markets in Africa, Europe, and Asia.
The combined group will be supported by a workforce of around 17 000 employees.
“Our combined company is unique – a true global media and entertainment powerhouse,” said Maxime Saada, Canal+ CEO and now Chair of the new MultiChoice Board.
“This combination increases our ability to invest in creative and sporting content throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia.”
Local Commitments and Continuity for Customers
In South Africa, the companies have committed to a package of public interest undertakings.
These include:
- Continued funding for local general entertainment and sports content
- Support for Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDPs) and SMMEs in the local audio-visual sector
- No disruption to current subscription and billing arrangements for customers
New Leadership Structure at MultiChoice
As part of the integration, significant changes have been made to the MultiChoice Board and executive team:
New MCG Board (effective 22 September 2025):
- Maxime Saada – Chair
- Elias Masilela – Lead Independent Director
- David Mignot – Chief Executive Officer
- Nicolas Dandoy – Chief Financial Officer
- Kgomotso Moroka
- Louisa Stephens
- Deborah Klein
- James du Preez
- Jacques du Puy
The former MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela and other board members stepped down effective 22 September.
However, Mawela will remain in a senior role, chairing Canal+ African operations, which now include MCG.
- David Mignot will lead Canal+ Africa as CEO
- Nicolas Dandoy becomes CFO of Canal+ Africa
- Timothy Jacobs, the outgoing MCG CFO, will retain a senior finance role within the broader group
Canal+ noted that it will conduct a strategic review of the combined operations and share its future plans and projected synergies during the first quarter of 2026.
About MultiChoice Group
Founded in 1994 as a digital satellite division of M-Net, MultiChoice has grown into Africa’s leading pay-TV provider, with flagship services such as DStv and SuperSport.
About Canal+
Canal+ is a French media conglomerate with a significant international presence, particularly in Europe and Africa.
It is a subsidiary of Vivendi, a global media and content group.
