French media giant Canal+ has formally taken effective control of MultiChoice Group (MCG), marking the largest acquisition in its history and setting the stage for a sweeping integration of operations across Africa and beyond.
The takeover became unconditional after the completion of all necessary regulatory approvals. As of September 19, 2025, Canal+ directly owns 200,030,591 shares (46.0%) of MultiChoice, excluding treasury shares.
A further 9,767,641 shares (2.2%) have already been tendered. “Canal+ is, therefore, in effective control of MultiChoice,” the company confirmed.
“This acquisition cements the combined Group’s position as a global media and entertainment company,” Canal+ and MultiChoice said in a joint statement. The integrated group will serve more than 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia, supported by a workforce of about 17,000 employees.
Meanwhile, the transition has ushered in a new leadership structure. David Mignot has been appointed CEO of Canal+’s African operations, which now includes MultiChoice. Nicolas Dandoy will serve as CFO, while Canal+ Group CEO Maxime Saada takes the role of executive chairman of the integrated company.
Outgoing MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela will remain chairman of Canal+’s African operations, while outgoing CFO Timothy Jacobs will assume a senior finance role within the merged entity.
“The MultiChoice board has made certain changes to its composition and leadership team to allow for suitable Canal+ representation, while maintaining its independence,” Canal+ explained. The reconstituted board, which includes a majority of independent directors, will oversee a “renewed commercial drive in pursuit of sustainable growth.”
“The new board has been constituted to ensure stability through the transition while seeking to introduce fresh skills and international expertise,” the company added.
New directors appointed in line with MultiChoice’s memorandum of incorporation include Maxime Saada, David Mignot, Nicolas Dandoy, and Jacques du Puy.
Meanwhile, Calvo Mawela, Timothy Jacobs, Christine Sabwa, Dr. Fatai Sanusi, and Andrea Zappia resigned with effect from September 22, 2025.
“Canal+ and MCG express their deep appreciation for the vital role they played in building the company and for their leadership, alongside the rest of the board, in securing this transformative transaction,” the statement read.
For customers, the companies reassured that “all subscription and billing arrangements will remain the same.”
The formal integration of Canal+ and MultiChoice is now set to begin, with Canal+ promising to provide a detailed strategic update in the first quarter of 2026.