Canal+ and MultiChoice Merger Secures Support from Black Business Council

French media giant Canal+  is set to merge with South Africa’s MultiChoice , following conditional approval from the Competition Tribunal of South Africa. The acquisition must be finalized by October 8, 2025, and is expected to create one of the most powerful media groups on the African continent.

The tribunal’s approval includes several conditions to safeguard South African interests. Among them is a three-year moratorium on retrenchments linked to the merger, ensuring job security for employees during the integration period.

In a statement, the Black Business Council (BBC) expressed strong support for the deal, noting that it anticipates the merger will promote empowerment and growth opportunities for South Africans, particularly for black entrepreneurs and creatives within the audiovisual sector.

The BBC highlighted that the public interest commitments tied to the merger were a key factor in its endorsement. These include requirements for Canal+ to continue supporting black-owned and small businesses, maintaining partnerships with black, female, and young content producers, and appointing a black South African CEO to lead the local operation.

According to the council, the merger has the potential to open global doors for local producers and actors by linking South African talent with Canal+’s international platforms. However, the BBC emphasized it will continue to monitor the process to ensure that all commitments outlined by the Competition Commission and Tribunal are fully implemented.

With Canal+’s global reach and MultiChoice’s established African footprint, the merger is poised to reshape the continent’s media landscape, blending local empowerment objectives with international expansion.