French media giant Canal+ has secured effective control of MultiChoice Group after its mandatory takeover offer became unconditional, completing all regulatory requirements.
Why it matters
The move cements Canal+’s biggest-ever acquisition and creates a global media powerhouse serving more than 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Leadership shakeup
- David Mignot → CEO of Canal+ African operations, including MultiChoice
- Nicolas Dandoy → CFO
- Maxime Saada → Canal+ group CEO, now executive chairman of the integrated company
- Calvo Mawela → Outgoing MultiChoice CEO, now chairman of Canal+ African operations
- Timothy Jacobs → Outgoing CFO, taking a senior role in finance at the combined group
Board changes
- New board combines Canal+ executives and independent directors.
- Members include Maxime Saada (Chair), Elias Masilela (Lead Independent Director), David Mignot, Nicolas Dandoy, Kgomotso Moroka, Louisa Stephens, Deborah Klein, James du Preez, and Jacques du Puy.
- Previous directors, including Calvo Mawela, Timothy Jacobs, Christine Sabwa, Dr. Fatai Sanusi, and Andrea Zappia, stepped down on Sept. 22.
By the numbers
- Canal+ directly owns 46% of MultiChoice shares.
- A further 2.2% has already been tendered, giving it effective control.
- Combined workforce: ~17,000 employees.
South Africa commitments
- Support for historically disadvantaged businesses and SMEs in the audiovisual sector.
- Continued funding for local entertainment and sports content.
What’s next
Canal+ will begin integrating MultiChoice immediately and provide a detailed strategic update in Q1 2026. For now, customer billing and subscriptions remain unchanged.
Source: MyBroadband
