DStv Faces R26 Billion Ownership Shift with Canal+ Acquisition
Deal News | May 21, 2025 | EIN
DStv is poised to transition to new ownership following the conditional approval of a R26 billion acquisition by Canal+, a French media conglomerate, as granted by South Africa's Competition Commission. The transaction involves Canal+ purchasing MultiChoice Group Ltd., the parent company of DStv, Showmax, and SuperSport, all of which have a significant presence across Sub-Saharan Africa. The approval process underwent extensive scrutiny, addressing public interest concerns via numerous conditions such as employment protection, enhancing the ownership share of historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs), and commitments for sourcing from small local enterprises. Canal+, part of Vivendi, has been engaged in the production and distribution of audiovisual content and already collaborates with MultiChoice. The deal awaits final determination by the Competition Tribunal.
Sectors
- Media & Entertainment
Geography
- South Africa – The acquisition involves MultiChoice Group, a significant player in South Africa's media sector, and has received conditional approval from South Africa's Competition Commission.
- France – Canal+, the acquiring company, is a French conglomerate, making this a cross-border transaction involving France.
Industry
- Media & Entertainment – The acquisition involves Canal+, a major player in TV and content distribution, acquiring MultiChoice Group, which operates DStv, Showmax, and SuperSport in the media and entertainment sector.
Financials
- R26 billion – The value of the deal for Canal+'s acquisition of MultiChoice Group Limited.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| DStv | Target Company | Company | A major satellite television service operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, owned by MultiChoice Group. |
| MultiChoice Group Limited | Selling Company | Company | The parent company of DStv, Showmax, and SuperSport, operates across Sub-Saharan Africa. |
| Canal+ | Bidding Company | Company | A French media conglomerate part of Vivendi, active in content production and distribution. |
| Competition Commission of South Africa | Regulatory Body | Government | The national agency responsible for evaluating and approving mergers and acquisitions, ensuring compliance with public interest and competition laws. |
| Vivendi | Parent Company | Company | The parent corporation of Canal+, involved in global media and content creation. |