Canal+ has extended its deadline for completing the takeover of South Africa’s MultiChoice from April 8, 2025, to October 8, 2025. The delay allows more time to set up a licencing company (LicenceCo) that aligns with South Africa’s foreign ownership laws, a crucial step for regulatory approval.
The French media giant has been increasing its stake in MultiChoice since 2020, eventually reaching 41.6% in 2024, which triggered a mandatory takeover offer. However, regulatory challenges, including compliance with local broadcasting laws and Canal+’s recent separation from Vivendi, have slowed the process. Despite these obstacles, the extension signals Canal+’s commitment to acquiring MultiChoice under its new corporate structure.
To meet legal requirements, LicenceCo will be established to hold the pay-TV licence, managed by South African stakeholders. Meanwhile, MultiChoice will shift its role from broadcaster to video content supplier. This acquisition is a key move for Canal+ as it aims to dominate Africa’s media market, leveraging MultiChoice’s vast subscriber base to compete with global streaming platforms.
If successful, the deal could lead to more investment in local content, improved streaming services, and competitive pricing. However, regulatory oversight will play a significant role in shaping the future of Canal+’s operations in Africa.
Read the full news here: TechCabal