The French media giant cements dominance in Africa’s pay-TV market while setting its sights on global expansion.
French broadcaster Canal+ has completed its long-awaited $2 billion takeover of MultiChoice Group, giving it control of Africa’s largest pay-TV operator. The move is the company’s boldest step yet in its global expansion strategy and the largest transaction in its 40-year history.
With MultiChoice under its umbrella, Canal+ now becomes the undisputed heavyweight in Africa’s pay-TV industry, while also strengthening its position in Europe and Asia. The enlarged group boasts over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries and employs around 17,000 people worldwide.
Africa at the heart of the strategy
Founded in 1985, MultiChoice has become a household name through its DStv satellite service and other platforms, serving viewers in 50 countries. By absorbing MultiChoice, Canal+ gains unparalleled access to one of the fastest-growing media markets in the world.
“This is a defining moment for our group,” said Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+. “By joining forces with MultiChoice, we are creating a media company of unmatched scale, able to deliver premium sports and entertainment to audiences across Africa, Europe and Asia.”
Outgoing MultiChoice chief executive Calvo Mawela, who has been appointed Chair of Canal+ Africa, highlighted what the merger means for local industries: “This partnership opens new doors for African creators and audiences, and ensures the continent plays a central role in the global media conversation.”
Leadership reshaped
To guide the integration, Canal+ has overhauled the leadership structure:
David Mignot will serve as CEO of Canal+ Africa.
Nicolas Dandoy becomes CFO.
Timothy Jacobs, MultiChoice’s former CFO, remains in a senior finance role within the new group.
Saada takes over as Chair of the combined company, with Mawela focusing on Canal+ Africa’s operations.
The group has promised to unveil a detailed strategy in early 2026, outlining how the combined business will scale content, technology, and distribution.
Clearing the regulatory hurdle
Regulators scrutinized the deal for months before South Africa’s Competition Commission gave approval in July, allowing Canal+ to proceed with its Mandatory Takeover Offer. With all conditions now satisfied, Canal+ has taken effective control of MultiChoice and begun integration.
Why the deal matters
The acquisition goes beyond market dominance. It secures Canal+ a foothold in Africa’s rapidly expanding television and streaming sector while giving it the scale to compete with global giants like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+.
It also provides fresh momentum for investment in original productions, African storytelling, and sports rights, areas where demand continues to surge. MultiChoice’s vast distribution networks, paired with Canal+’s production and broadcasting expertise, are expected to create a stronger, more competitive platform for viewers.
Looking ahead: A global powerhouse in the making
Over four decades, Canal+ has evolved from a French subscription channel into a global player with stakes in production companies, streaming platforms, and telecoms. The MultiChoice takeover represents its largest and boldest move yet — one that firmly anchors Africa within its international growth plans.
As Saada put it: “We are building not just a larger company, but a stronger one — powered by talent and creativity from every region we serve.”
And with Africa now at the center of its global ambitions, Canal+ is betting that the continent’s audiences and creators will help define the next chapter of its story.
