Business

E-tv and Openview Set for New Era as Ownership Deal Clears First Hurdle

Published

2 weeks ago

August 22, 2025

Chiraag

eMedia Holdings Openview deal, E-tv South Africa, Competition Commission approval, Remgro Venfin shares, JSE listed media company, South African broadcasting changes, Joburg ETC

South Africa’s media industry is about to see a significant corporate shuffle. The Competition Commission has given the thumbs up for eMedia Holdings (EMH) to take full control of eMedia Investments (EMI), the group that owns household names like E-tv and Openview.

The deal, which the Commission recommended for unconditional approval, effectively consolidates the company’s ownership under a single listed entity. For viewers, that means business as usual for their favourite free-to-air channel and satellite platform. But for investors and the industry, it signals a new phase of independence and liquidity for one of South Africa’s most prominent media players.

What’s Changing Behind the Screens

Up until now, EMI was jointly owned by EMH and VenFin, an investment holding company born out of the old Rembrandt Group’s restructuring. VenFin’s stake will now be exchanged for EMH shares, which are set to be distributed to Remgro shareholders. If that distribution does not take place, EMH has the right to buy back the shares for just under R59.5 million.

The shift will give EMH 100% ownership of EMI, which controls a portfolio that extends far beyond E-tv. EMI also owns Platco Digital, the operator of Openview, as well as E-sat TV, Yired, SASANI Studios, and eMedia Properties.

The Commission found no concerns around competition or public interest, describing the deal as an internal restructuring rather than a move that would disrupt the broadcasting landscape.

Why This Matters for the Market

EMH is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and ultimately controlled by Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI), a heavyweight investment group with stakes across hotels, energy, property, and broadcasting. For years, EMH’s shares have suffered from limited liquidity, making it difficult for investors to trade.

This transaction is expected to improve the free float of EMH’s N shares by increasing the percentage held by public shareholders. In practical terms, that could mean a healthier, more active market for EMH stock.

Financial analysts note that tighter ownership could also allow EMH to sharpen its long-term strategic direction without the complication of joint control. For a company managing South Africa’s only free-to-air commercial TV station and a rapidly growing satellite platform, that independence could be critical in staying competitive in a fast-changing media landscape.

Public Reaction and Broader Context

While the transaction might sound like corporate housekeeping, industry watchers have taken to social media to highlight its significance. Many view it as EMH’s bid to solidify its future as a major broadcasting force at a time when streaming platforms are eating into traditional TV viewership.

In the bigger picture, it also reflects the ongoing consolidation within South Africa’s media sector, where ownership structures are evolving to keep pace with shifting consumer habits and digital disruption.

The Bottom Line

The Commission’s recommendation clears the way for EMH to fully control the destiny of E-tv, Openview, and its sister companies. The Commission is satisfied there are no competition concerns, and the deal could provide a welcome boost to EMH’s market profile on the JSE.

For the public, the programmes and platforms they know remain the same. But for EMH, this is a chance to reposition itself with more agility in an increasingly competitive media environment.