Green Light for Canal+ and MultiChoice Merger with Conditions
Competition Commission recommends conditional approval of Canal+ acquisition of MultiChoice, citing no major competition risks but addressing public interest concerns.
The Competition Commission of South Africa has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve the proposed transaction whereby Canal+ intends to acquire the MultiChoice Group, with conditions.
The Commission is of the view that the proposed transaction is unlikely to substantially lessen or prevent competition in any market. However, in recognition of the important role played by the MultiChoice Group within the broader audiovisual ecosystem in South Africa, and to address public interest concerns raised by various stakeholders, the Commission has recommended approval of the merger subject to a number of conditions.
In large mergers the Commission is required to assess and to ultimately make a recommendation to the Tribunal. The Commission is satisfied that the conditions attached to this merger sufficiently address the concerns raised during the investigation. The matter is now before the Tribunal for a final determination.
– Hardin Ratshisusu, Deputy Commissioner, Competition Commission of South Africa
