Canal+ has officially taken control of South Africa’s MultiChoice Group after its mandatory offer became unconditional, completing a R35 billion (approximately US$2.02 billion) acquisition. As of 19 September 2025, Canal+ directly holds 46.0% of MultiChoice shares (excluding treasury shares), with an additional 2.2%—or 9,767,641 shares—tendered under the offer. This acquisition significantly boosts Canal+’s strategic positioning in Africa, where MultiChoice remains the continent’s largest pay-TV operator.
The combined group now serves over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries spanning Africa, Europe, and Asia. Together, they employ approximately 17,000 staff. According to both companies, existing MultiChoice subscribers in South Africa will see no changes to their billing or subscription arrangements, preserving operational continuity for the near term.
As part of the transaction, Canal+ has reorganized the MultiChoice board and senior leadership. Maxime Saada has been appointed Chair of the new MultiChoice board. David Mignot assumes the role of CEO of Canal+ Africa, which now includes oversight of MultiChoice operations. Nicolas Dandoy has been named Group CFO, and Jacques du Puy joins the board as an Executive Director. In addition, Elias Masilela has been appointed Lead Independent Director, alongside non-executive directors Kgomotso Moroka, Louisa Stephens, Deborah Klein, and James du Preez.
Calvo Mawela, who steps down from his position as MultiChoice CEO, has been appointed Chair of Canal+ Africa. Former CFO Timothy Jacobs will continue in a senior finance role within the new group structure. These changes follow the Competition Tribunal’s approval, which was conditional on a reorganization of MultiChoice’s South African operations to meet local regulatory compliance.
Canal+ has described the acquisition as the largest transaction in its history and a pivotal moment in its global growth strategy. “This acquisition of MultiChoice Group by Canal+ marks the largest transaction ever undertaken by Canal+, cementing the combined group’s position as a global media and entertainment company,” the company stated.
Calvo Mawela emphasized the strategic and cultural benefits of the deal: “This new structure brings in new skills and experience and enables the combined group to deliver more value, great entertainment for our audiences, and ongoing support to the communities we serve.”
With this acquisition, Canal+ further advances its ambition to become a world-leading media and entertainment powerhouse, using Africa as a strategic base of growth and innovation.
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