French media conglomerate Canal+ has completed its ~$2 billion (R35 billion) takeover of MultiChoice, the owner of DStv, officially ending MultiChoice's era as an independent African media giant. This merger creates a pan-African entertainment powerhouse with over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries.

• The deal became unconditional on September 19th and is the largest in Canal+'s history.
• Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada is the new chairman of the MultiChoice board, with outgoing MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela appointed chairman of Canal+ Africa operations.
• A regulatory strategy created a ring-fenced company, “LicenceCo,” to comply with South Africa's 20% foreign ownership cap on broadcasters, giving empowerment partners 39% voting bloc.
• The new group's portfolio includes DStv, GOtv, and SuperSport, with streaming service Showmax as a key competitive weapon, but faces challenges with a 49% stake in sports betting company KingMakers (BetKing) due to significant losses.