MultiChoice Announces Increase in Canal+ Shareholding to 76.52%
MultiChoice Group Limited has officially announced a significant rise in Groupe Canal+ S.A.S (Canal+) shareholding, following the acquisition of additional ordinary shares in the company. The update was disclosed in accordance with Section 122(3)(b) of South Africa’s Companies Act, Regulation 121(2)(b) of the Companies Regulations, and Paragraph 3.83(b) of the JSE Listings Requirements.
According to the statement released by MultiChoice, Canal+ now holds 72.46% of the company’s total issued ordinary shares. The French media giant has also received further acceptances for its ongoing mandatory offer to MultiChoice shareholders, covering an additional 17,954,344 shares. Once the settlement process is completed, Canal+’s total interest will rise to 76.52%.
Regulatory Compliance and Official Confirmation
MultiChoice has confirmed that it has filed the required notice with the Takeover Regulation Panel (TRP), in full compliance with Section 122(3)(a) of the Companies Act. The company emphasised that all regulatory obligations have been met, ensuring transparency throughout the process.
The MultiChoice Board of Directors stated that it takes full responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the announcement. The board assured investors and stakeholders that no material information have been omitted that could affect the significance of the disclosure.
Canal+ Strengthens Its Position in Africa’s Entertainment Market
This latest development marks another milestone in Canal+’s ongoing acquisition strategy. The French media powerhouse has been steadily increasing its stake in MultiChoice over recent months, moving closer to full majority control of the African pay-TV leader.
The growing ownership aligns with Canal+’s broader strategy to expand its presence in Africa’s rapidly growing entertainment and digital media sectors. By deepening its investment in MultiChoice, Canal+ aims to leverage the company’s strong market position, diverse content offerings, and extensive subscriber base across the continent.
Implications for the African Pay-TV Landscape
Industry analysts note that Canal+’s increased shareholding could have far-reaching implications for Africa’s pay-TV and streaming ecosystem. The move is expected to enhance collaboration between the two companies, particularly in areas such as original African content production, digital transformation, and cross-platform distribution.
Furthermore, the consolidation strengthens Canal+’s long-term vision of creating a pan-African media powerhouse, capable of competing globally while fostering localised storytelling and regional content innovation.
Conclusion
With Canal+’s stake in MultiChoice now rising to 76.52%, the acquisition marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Africa’s media landscape. As Canal+ edges closer to majority ownership, it sets the stage for a new era of growth, collaboration, and digital innovation across the continent’s entertainment industry.
