Canal+ Takes Control of MultiChoice in Landmark Media Merger

A new chapter has begun for South Africa’s television giant. French media conglomerate Canal+ has officially taken control of the MultiChoice Group (MCG) after its takeover bid cleared all final hurdles, cementing one of the most significant media mergers in recent years.

The deal, which became unconditional on 19 September, gives Canal+ effective control of Africa’s biggest pay-TV broadcaster, known for its flagship brands DStv and SuperSport. While the transaction still awaits a compliance certificate from South Africa’s Takeover Regulation Panel, the outcome is now all but sealed.

A Global Media Powerhouse

This merger is the largest in Canal+ history. With MultiChoice folded into its empire, the combined group now boasts more than 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries, spanning Africa, Europe, and Asia. A workforce of roughly 17 000 employees will drive the expanded vision.

“This combination increases our ability to invest in creative and sporting content throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia,” Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada said, who has also been appointed Chair of the new MultiChoice Board.

Industry observers have called the deal a turning point in how global media giants view Africa’s fast-growing content and sports markets.

Commitments To South Africa

For South African subscribers, the merger comes with promises of stability. Canal+ and MultiChoice have pledged to continue funding local general entertainment and sports content, support Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDPs) and small businesses in the local audio-visual sector, and keep billing and subscription arrangements unchanged for now.

That reassurance matters in a country where DStv has long been more than just television. From Saturday rugby matches to Sunday evening soapies, MultiChoice has been woven into the cultural fabric of households across the nation. Social media reactions reflect cautious optimism: some subscribers welcome the possibility of fresh international content, while others voice concerns over pricing and whether local storytelling will retain its space on screen.

A Shift In Leadership

The takeover has triggered sweeping leadership changes. Effective 22 September, the new MultiChoice Board includes:

• Maxime Saada – Chair

• Elias Masilela – Lead Independent Director

• David Mignot – Chief Executive Officer

• Nicolas Dandoy – Chief Financial Officer

• Kgomotso Moroka

• Louisa Stephens

• Deborah Klein

• James du Preez

• Jacques du Puy

Former CEO Calvo Mawela has stepped down but will remain influential, chairing Canal+ African operations. David Mignot takes the reins as CEO of Canal+ Africa, while Nicolas Dandoy assumes the CFO role. Outgoing MultiChoice CFO Timothy Jacobs will stay on in a senior finance role within the broader group.

What Comes Next?

Canal+ has confirmed it will conduct a strategic review of the combined operations and reveal its roadmap in early 2026. Analysts expect this could include synergies in sports broadcasting rights, expansion of streaming services, and deeper integration of African content into the global market.

For MultiChoice, the deal marks the end of an era. Founded in 1994 as a digital satellite arm of M-Net, it grew into Africa’s pay-TV leader, with DStv and SuperSport becoming household names. Now, under French ownership, the challenge will be balancing global ambitions with local roots.

Whether this merger delivers more value to South African viewers or risks diluting the uniquely African identity of MultiChoice is a debate that will play out on screens, in living rooms, and across social platforms in the months to come.

{Source:The South African}

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