In a move that is set to reshape the African entertainment landscape, French media giant Canal+ has successfully acquired South Africa-based MultiChoice Group, the parent company of DStv, in a $3 billion deal, gaining full control of popular pay-TV services DStv and GOtv.
The acquisition received the green light from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 after a long-anticipated takeover.
The deal, valued at approximately 55 billion rand, was confirmed following months of regulatory scrutiny and negotiations.
Canal+, which already held a 45.2% stake in MultiChoice, moved to acquire the remaining shares after investing €1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) since 2020.
The transaction is expected to close by October 8, 2025, pending final approval from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.
In an official statement released via the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on Wednesday, Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada expressed optimism about the merger’s potential.
He said, “The approval by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal marks the final stage in the South African competition process and clears the way for us to conclude the transaction in line with our previously communicated timeline. This acquisition represents a significant step in expanding our presence across Africa, particularly in English-speaking markets.”
Several consumers who have been loyal to the brand have welcomed the move because of DSTV’s inefficiencies over the years which include charging higher subscription fees in certain regions, poor signal network, lack of new and fresh content among others.
