French media giant Canal+ has officially acquired MultiChoice Group for an estimated US$1.9bn, leading to a significant corporate restructuring across Africa. The acquisition merges MultiChoice with Canal+’s existing African operations to form Canal+ Africa, consolidating subscriptions and leadership.

• The acquisition makes Canal+ a major player in African media, expanding its reach to over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries.
• Calvo Mawela, outgoing MultiChoice CEO, is now Chairman of Canal+ Africa, while David Mignot takes the helm as CEO of the newly merged entity. Maxime Saada, Canal+ chair and CEO, will now lead the MultiChoice board as chair.
• The deal, described as the largest in Canal+ history, includes an R125-per-share offer for remaining MultiChoice shares, and pledges continued commitment to local content production and industry development in South Africa.