Latest news with #Canal+'
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
South Africa's MultiChoice set for new ownership as $3bn takeover deal gets green light
A major ownership shake-up is underway at South Africa's MultiChoice following the Competition Tribunal's approval of a $3 billion takeover bid by French media giant Canal+. The Competition Tribunal of South Africa has allowed Canal+ to proceed with acquiring the remaining 55% of MultiChoice, granting it full ownership. The deal, valued at $3 billion, includes Canal+'s commitment to invest 26 billion rand over three years in South Africa. The merger combines Canal+'s existing presence in 25 African countries with MultiChoice's 14.5 million subscribers in 50 sub-Saharan markets. The landmark decision paves the way for Canal+ to acquire the remaining 55% stake in Africa's largest pay-TV broadcaster, positioning the company for full ownership. The deal, expected to close by 8 October 2025, signals a significant realignment in the continent's media landscape. The approval clears the path for Canal+ to acquire MultiChoice, a dominant player across sub-Saharan Africa known for its DStv and GOtv platforms. As part of the approval terms, Canal+ has pledged to invest around 26 billion rand over the next three years in initiatives that support South Africa's public interest priorities. Key commitments include keeping MultiChoice's headquarters in South Africa, continuing to fund locally produced content and live sports, and actively backing the country's creative sector. In a joint statement, the two companies reiterated their dedication to the local media industry: 'We will maintain funding for South African general entertainment and sports content, providing local content creators with a strong foundation for future success." ' This deal is transformative,' said Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada. 'T he combined group will benefit from enhanced scale, greater exposure to high-growth markets, and the ability to deliver meaningful synergies.' While the financial details of the deal were not disclosed in the latest statement, the transaction follows months of negotiations, shareholder reviews, and regulatory scrutiny. Update on the acquisition company - Canal+ Canal+, a subsidiary of French media conglomerate Vivendi, has gradually increased its stake in MultiChoice over the years and announced plans earlier this year to pursue a full buyout. Currently operating in 25 African countries with over eight million subscribers, Canal+ is now poised to significantly scale its presence across the continent. The merger with MultiChoice, home to 14.5 million subscribers in 50 sub-Saharan African countries creates a powerful, multilingual broadcaster spanning English-, French-, and Portuguese-speaking markets. The South African Competition Tribunal's approval signals confidence that the deal will not substantially lessen competition in the domestic media sector. Analysts view the acquisition as a strategic move by Canal+ to strengthen its position in Africa's rapidly expanding media and streaming landscape. The deal also reflects growing global interest in African content distribution, as international players look to tap into the continent's young, digitally connected population. To comply with local regulations that cap foreign ownership of a South African broadcasting licensee at 20%, MultiChoice will separate its domestic broadcasting unit into a new, independent company, majority owned and controlled by Historically Disadvantaged Persons.
Broadcast Pro
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Canal+ and Netflix expand strategic partnership to sub-Saharan Africa
Canal already offers a line-up of over 400 live channels in the region, including 28 produced for African audiences. Canal+ and Netflix have deepened their longstanding partnership, originally established in 2019 for France and Poland, by extending their strategic distribution agreement to sub-Saharan Africa. Through this collaboration, Canal+ will become the first operator to offer Netflix as part of its content bundle across 24 sub-Saharan African countries, enhancing access to premium entertainment for African viewers. Beginning in July, Canal+ subscribers in French-speaking African nations will be able to access Netflix directly through their existing packages, providing a seamless and integrated viewing experience. This move further expands the value proposition of Canal+, which already delivers over 400 live channels—including 28 channels specifically curated for African audiences—alongside advanced digital features via the Canal+ app and smart set-top boxes. The partnership brings Netflix's globally acclaimed originals such as Stranger Things, La Casa de Papel, Lupin, Emily in Paris and Squid Game to the platform, while also spotlighting popular African titles like Blood & Water, Young Famous & African, Unseen, King of Boys, Anikulapo, Blood Sisters and Kings of Joburg. For Netflix, this marks a significant milestone as its first distribution agreement in the region, enabling broader reach through Canal+'s strong presence across the African continent. For Canal+, it reinforces its status as a global content aggregator by bringing the world's leading streaming service to millions of its African subscribers. Commenting on the partnership, Pascale Chabert, Chief Content Acquisition Officer of Canal+, said: 'A few years after our distribution agreement in France and Poland, I am delighted to extend our historic partnership with Netflix to Africa. Our millions of African subscribers will benefit from a unique offer, bringing together the best of Canal+ and Netflix content in a joint package. This new agreement demonstrates Canal+'s ability to extend its unique super-aggregation model beyond the European continent.' Emma Lloyd, Vice President Partnerships EMEA at Netflix, added: 'We're thrilled about this extension of our partnership with Canal+ which will allow us to reach even more people across French speaking African countries. It's a big win for entertainment fans and part of our ongoing mission to make the member experience even better.'
eNCA
21-05-2025
- Business
- eNCA
Canal+ cleared to buy MultiChoice
JOHANNESBURG - The Competition Tribunal has conditionally approved French media giant Canal+'s proposed acquisition of MultiChoice. READ | Standard Bank rates Canal+ Multichoice share offer to be fair The decision allows Canal+ to take control of the South African pay-TV operator, provided it meets certain public interest and competition-related conditions. These include commitments to local content development and maintaining South African jobs.
