… French Media Giant Acquires MultiChoice, Raising Questions On Political Implications

French media conglomerate Canal+ finalized its acquisition of MultiChoice Group, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, in a $3 billion deal on July 24, 2025, gaining full control of Nigeria’s dominant pay-TV platforms.

The deal, approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal on July 23, grants Canal+ the remaining 55% stake it did not previously own, with closure set for October 8, 2025.

The acquisition, which includes MultiChoice’s 14.5 million subscribers across 50 African countries, has political ramifications in Nigeria, where regulatory bodies like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission are scrutinizing the deal for its impact on consumer pricing and media sovereignty.

Canal+ committed to investing 26 billion rand over three years to support local content and maintain MultiChoice’s South African headquarters, addressing public interest concerns.

Nigerian subscribers expressed mixed reactions, with some hopeful for improved services and others wary of potential price hikes amid economic challenges.