French media group Canal+ has secured effective control of South African broadcaster MultiChoice following the completion of a 35 billion rand (approximately $ 2.02 billion) acquisition, the companies announced on September 22, 2025.

The deal gives Canal+ a dominant position in Africa’s pay-TV market, where MultiChoice operates across 50 countries, and forms part of the group’s strategy to become a top-five global entertainment provider. As of September 19, Canal+ owned 46 percent of MultiChoice, with a further 2.2 percent of shares acquired through tenders, granting the company majority control.

The MultiChoice board has been reorganised to reflect the acquisition, with David Mignot appointed CEO of the combined group and Nicolas Dandoy as chief financial officer. Outgoing MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela has been named chair of Canal+ Africa, overseeing operations across the continent.

The combined entity now serves over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia. MultiChoice’s partnership with US media company Comcast will continue, while a detailed update on the group’s strategy is expected in the first quarter of 2026.