French media giant just acquired MultiChoice (DStv &GOtv) for $3 billion — here's what it means for Nigerians

AY.JESUS · 2025-07-24T12:26:12.458107+01:00

In July 2025, South Africa’s Competition Tribunal approved the $3 billion takeover of MultiChoice by French media firm Canal+,…

In July 2025, South Africa’s Competition Tribunal approved the $3 billion takeover of MultiChoice by French media firm Canal+, giving Canal+ full control of DStv and GOtv
Canal+ had already owned about 45%, but this move secures the remaining 55% stake from MultiChoice shareholders
The final deal values MultiChoice at approximately 55 billion rand (~$3 bn) at 125 rand per share—about 67% over the pre-offer price
Regulators imposed strict public interest conditions, including:
- Investing 26 billion rand (~$1.4 bn) in local content and skills over 3 years
- Protecting jobs (no retrenchments for 3 years)
- Creating LicenceCo, a new entity majority‑owned by Historically Disadvantaged Persons and workers to meet South Africa’s 20% foreign ownership cap
The companies aim to finalise the takeover by October 8, 2025, after obtaining additional broadcaster licensing approval from ICASA
Why it matters:
- Canal+ is now the continent’s largest pay‑TV & streaming block, combining reach into Francophone and Anglophone Africa
- This could strengthen Showmax & SuperSport budgets, boosting local content production
- Some worry about reduced media plurality and dominance in the Nigerian market with less competition

What could this mean for Nigerian viewers?

Higher investment may lead to better local shows and more sports programming on DStv/Showmax
But expect price hikes or package changes—Nigeria has already seen subscriber losses due to inflation and more expensive bouquets
The government is watching: the Nigerian House of Representatives previously ordered MultiChoice to suspend planned price increases due to economic strain on citizens

What do you think?
- Is this acquisition a win for African media, or is it a step towards monopolistic control?
- Will better investment in African content benefit viewers, or just lead to higher subscription fees?
- How should Nigeria respond to protect local consumers?