French Company Canal+ Takes Control Of DStv, SuperSport, And Showmax

French media conglomerate Groupe Canal+ now controls the MultiChoice Group and has replaced its top management with Canal+ executives.

The takeover became unconditional after the final suspensive conditions were met. Canal+ was required to make a mandatory offer in early 2024 after exceeding the 35% shareholding threshold under the South African Companies Act.

The company first acquired a 6.5% stake in October 2020 and gradually increased its holdings, eventually offering R125 per share for the remaining stock, valuing MultiChoice at R55 billion.

As of 22 September 2025, Canal+ directly owns 200,030,591 shares (46.0%) of MultiChoice, excluding treasury shares, with an additional 9,767,641 shares (2.2%) tendered.

The first major change under Canal+’s control is the replacement of MultiChoice’s CEO and CFO. David Mignot and Nicolas Dandoy will lead Canal+ African operations, including MultiChoice, while former CEO Calvo Mawela becomes chairman of Canal+ Africa and former CFO Tim Jacobs takes a senior finance role.

Canal+ described the acquisition as its largest transaction to date. The combined company will serve over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia.

In an email to subscribers, MultiChoice assured that their subscription and viewing experience will remain unchanged.

Customers will continue to enjoy the same channels, shows, and services, and can keep using their decoders, remotes, and apps—no action is required.

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