French media giant Canal+ Group has completed a $3 billion deal to acquire the remaining 55% of MultiChoice Group, securing full ownership of the continent’s largest pay-tv operator and its popular platforms, DStv and GOtv.

The acquisition, approved by the South African Competition Tribunal, marks a watershed moment in Africa’s broadcasting industry, giving Canal+ access to over 14.5 million subscribers across 50 countries. The deal is expected to fully close by October 8, 2025.

“This is a strategic milestone for our company,” said Canal+ Chairman and CEO Maxime Saada. “We aim to build a unified media platform that blends Canal+’s French-language programming with MultiChoice’s English and Portuguese content, while boosting local production.”

Canal+, a subsidiary of global conglomerate Vivendi SE, began increasing its stake in MultiChoice in 2020, reaching 45% through market purchases before this final buyout. The transaction significantly expands its influence in emerging media markets and enhances its capacity to rival global streaming platforms.

In line with South African regulatory expectations, Canal+ has pledged a R26 billion (approximately $1.4 billion) investment over the next three years to strengthen local content, maintain MultiChoice’s headquarters in South Africa, safeguard jobs, and advance transformation initiatives.

The acquisition covers major African media assets, including SuperSport, Africa Magic, M-Net, Showmax, and DStv Media Sales, placing Canal+ in direct competition with international streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

Analysts say the move signals a deepening of media consolidation in Sub-Saharan Africa, with potential ripple effects in digital infrastructure and wider global distribution of African-made content.