Latest news with #MultiChoice
Daily Maverick
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Who will steer the R55bn marriage of MultiChoice and Canal+?
There's a new power couple in African media. After nearly five years of courting, Canal+ has finally put a ring on MultiChoice to form a pan-African content colossus with global ambitions. French media titan Canal+ has secured the final go-ahead to acquire MultiChoice in a landmark R55-billion deal. After years of quiet manoeuvring and regulatory hurdles, the merger is now a question of who controls what. The Competition Tribunal's conditional approval, granted late last week, closes the chapter on a five-year 'creeping takeover' and opens a new era in African broadcasting. Now it's a balancing act weighing foreign capital with national sovereignty on a digital scale with local content. Enter the media monarchy In return for its princely sum, Canal+, owned by the French conglomerate Vivendi, gets access to MultiChoice's 14.5 million Anglophone and Lusophone subscribers, the DStv powerhouse, sports juggernaut SuperSport, and a foothold in streaming via Showmax. MultiChoice, facing rising costs and subscriber declines, finds itself rescued by a suitor with deep pockets and pan-African ambition. Combined, the merged entity will serve more than 24 million subscribers across 50 countries — instantly becoming the largest pay-TV and streaming provider on the continent. However, if Canal+ was hoping for free access, South African regulators had other plans. The deal's approval came wrapped in layers of red tape — not as a deterrent, but as a deliberate design feature. Transformation goals Central to the regulatory conditions is the creation of LicenceCo, an independent company that will hold MultiChoice South Africa's broadcast licence. It will be majority-owned and controlled by historically disadvantaged South Africans and employees. Crucially, Canal+ has no control and no board seats. This structural firewall protects South Africa's legal requirements around media ownership, ensures transformation goals are met and serves as a template for foreign investment in other sensitive sectors. Phuthuma Nathi, the B-BBEE shareholder darling, increases its economic interest in LicenceCo to 27%, with a new employee trust added. The licence, and the local airwaves it governs, stay South African. The R30bn lobola The Competition Tribunal didn't just demand structural separation; it also extracted a commitment package valued at more than R30-billion. This includes: A three-year moratorium on retrenchments linked to the merger; Significant investment in local content production, sports broadcasting, SMME procurement and Corporate Social Investment programmes; Ongoing free-to-air broadcast access for key sporting events, safeguarding the public's ability to view major matches without a subscription; and Local skills development through Canal+'s 'University Programme', to train historically disadvantaged individuals in broadcasting and production. In a media environment where Netflix and Amazon Prime are increasingly dominant, this local-first approach is designed to future-proof South African media. Showmax, SuperSport and scale Behind the regulatory muscle lies a clear commercial imperative. MultiChoice has struggled in recent years, shedding 2.8 million linear subscribers and burning cash to prop up Showmax 2.0, its streaming reboot built on Comcast tech and bolstered by NBC Universal's 30% equity stake. Canal+ brings financial stability and scale. It also inherits Irdeto, MultiChoice's profitable cybersecurity unit, and Showmax's potential to become Africa's answer to global streamers. Vivendi, Canal+'s parent company, views this merger as critical to its own transformation and part of a plan to split into three listed entities, with Canal+ as its global growth engine. Listing Canal+ on the JSE within nine months of deal completion is a further nod to local inclusion, visibility, and capital market confidence. The shiny ring can't cover controversial holes While South Africa celebrates a structurally sound deal with tangible local benefits, not all observers are convinced. Critics warn that Canal+'s track record and the Bolloré Group's 30.4% stake in it come with baggage. Vivendi's past includes one of the largest corporate losses in history and regulatory infractions that still cast a shadow. Vincent Bolloré, the billionaire behind the curtain, faces corruption charges in France and has been accused of turning Canal+'s French media outlets into right-wing political mouthpieces. With Canal+ now embedded in South Africa's broadcasting ecosystem, some fear creeping influence over editorial independence, particularly if there are future attempts to deepen ownership or control beyond the current firewall. Marriage isn't buying a horse Mergers are easy to announce but hard to manage. However, the competition bodies have played their hand cleverly — extracting commitments, safeguarding jobs and setting a precedent for how global capital must behave when it enters South Africa's strategic sectors. The long-term test lies ahead. Can Showmax truly compete with Netflix? Can SuperSport keep its sports crown as global streamers outbid for rights? Will LicenceCo be a transformative force or a regulatory box-ticker? Will Canal+ respect the firewall, or try to chip away at it over time? The merged entity is now king of the hill in African broadcasting, but it's a kingdom that won't run on size alone. Trust, execution and transformation will be the currencies of success. DM
News24
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Celebrate 15 years of Mzansi Magic
On 12 July 2010, a bold new voice emerged on South African television - one that spoke our language, reflected our lives and told Mzansi-born and bred stories in a refreshing way. That voice was Mzansi Magic. What began as a modest programming block of local series and international films has grown into a powerhouse producer and showcase of homegrown content. Over the years, Mzansi Magic has delivered award-winning shows and films, created unprecedented opportunities for local talent and played a pivotal role in shaping the South African production industry. At its inception, the channel set out to 'engage producers and explore possibilities beyond traditional commissioning models'. That vision has been realised - and gone beyond what what MultiChoice expected at its inception. Mzansi Magic's stories, stars and shows have influenced language, fashion and culture, while setting new benchmarks for local storytelling. From the beloved Lokshin Bioskop films to genre-defining dramas and reality shows, the channel has become a cultural cornerstone for Southern Africa. Mzansi Magic has brought us unforgettable moments: the gripping drama of iNkaba (2012), the iconic Isibaya (2013), the boundary-pushing Rockville (2013), the reality sensation Date My Family (2017), and the groundbreaking Lockdown (2017). These titles didn't just entertain - they sparked conversations, launched careers and redefined what local television could be. The channel has also nurtured new talent through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory, where graduates have gone on to contribute to some of Mzansi Magic's most beloved productions. 'For 15 years, Mzansi Magic has stood at the heart of South African entertainment — a platform where authenticity meets ambition, and where themes of family, resilience and identity are brought to life through bold storytelling and unforgettable characters,' says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment. 'What sets Mzansi Magic apart is not just the stories we tell, but the scale at which we tell them and the diversity they celebrate.' As part of the celebration, viewers can look forward to a curated showcase of iconic moments, unforgettable characters and fan-favourite genres - a journey through the stories that shaped a generation. A special commemorative documentary will also spotlight the channel's legacy, the talent it has nurtured and the cultural impact it continues to make. This celebration comes to life through the Mzansi Magic Pop-Up Channel - a special, limited-time experience on DStv Channel 196 - created to honour 15 years of storytelling excellence and the audiences who made it all possible. 'Mzansi Magic has always been about stories that reflect who we are… real, raw and proudly South African,' says Shirley Adonisi, Channel Director for Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net. 'This celebration is our way of saying 'Siyabonga Mzansi' for 15 unforgettable years. Our channel was raised by the audience and we're grateful for their commitment.' And the journey continues... With fresh content like the upcoming original crime drama Levels, starring Lunathi Mampofu and Bonko Khoza, premiering on 7 September, Mzansi Magic is just getting started. So whether you've been there since the very first 'Yoh!' or joined along the way - this is your moment to relive the magic, remember the icons and look forward to the next chapter.
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.
eNCA
5 days ago
- Business
- eNCA
Canal+ clears final hurdle to acquire MultiChoice
JOHANNESBURG - France's Canal+ said on Wednesday it had cleared the final regulatory hurdle for the buyout of Africa's largest pay TV enterprise MultiChoice and further expand its footprint on the continent. The company said in a statement that the South African Competition Tribunal had given its approval for Canal+ to acquire the approximately 55 percent of MultiChoice shares it does not already own. The approval "clears the way for us to conclude the transaction in line with our previously communicated timeline" by October 8 at the latest, Canal+ chief executive Maxime Saada said in a statement. "I'm excited about the potential this transaction unlocks for all stakeholders... the combined Group will benefit from enhanced scale, greater exposure to high-growth markets and the ability to deliver meaningful synergies," he added. Canal+ is present in 25 African countries through 16 subsidiaries and has eight million subscribers, according to the French group. MultiChoice operates in 50 countries across sub-Saharan Africa and has 14.5 million subscribers, it says. It includes Africa's premier sports broadcaster, SuperSport, and the DStv satellite television service. "It is a hugely positive step forward in our journey to bring together two iconic media and entertainment companies and create a true champion for Africa," Saada said about combining Canal+'s French language offerings with the English and Portuguese content on MultiChoice. Canal+ hopes that the acquisition will allow it to grow to 50 to 100 million subscribers in a few years, from 27 million currently. The mandatory share offer of R125 per share values MultiChoice at $3.0 billion. The approval came with several public-interest conditions worth about 26 billion rand over three years and keeping MultiChoice's headquarters in South Africa.
The Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- The Herald
Canal+ gets conditional approval for MultiChoice takeover
The Competition Tribunal has approved Canal+'s R35bn takeover offer for TV broadcaster MultiChoice, subject to agreed conditions, the companies said on Wednesday. The deal could potentially reshape Africa's media landscape, kicking off a consolidation process aimed at countering global streaming giants such as Netflix. The deal is transformative for Canal+ as part of its expansion in Africa, particularly in English-speaking regions, while for MultiChoice, it will provide much-needed capital to support its local content and innovation. 'The combined group will benefit from enhanced scale, greater exposure to high-growth markets and the ability to deliver meaningful synergies,' Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+ said. Canal+, which was spun off from parent company Vivendi in December, made a firm offer last year of R125 in cash per MultiChoice share that it does not own, valuing MultiChoice at about R55bn. In May the Competition Commission, which recommends approvals or rejections to the Tribunal, said the transaction was unlikely to substantially lessen or prevent competition.
