Canal+ has received final approval from South Africa’s Competition Tribunal to acquire MultiChoice Group, clearing the last regulatory hurdle in its bid to take over Africa’s largest pay-TV operator.
The French media giant, which already owns a significant stake in MultiChoice, made a mandatory cash offer of ZAR 125 ($7.11) per share to purchase all remaining ordinary shares, according to Reuters.
The tribunal’s approval includes public interest conditions focused on increasing the participation of historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) and small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa’s audiovisual sector. It also ensures continued investment in local content, including general entertainment and sports programming.
As part of the agreement, Canal+ and MultiChoice will implement a structural plan announced in February to comply with South Africa’s Electronic Communications Act. The plan involves spinning off MultiChoice’s local broadcasting licensee into an independent, HDP-majority-owned entity.
Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada hailed the ruling as “the final stage in the South African competition process,” saying the combined group is now positioned for greater scale, entry into high-growth markets, and operational synergies.
MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela called the approval a “significant milestone,” noting the strategic alignment between the two companies and their shared focus on community impact.
The transaction is expected to close before October 8.
