Broadcasting
Canal+ Takes Full Control of MultiChoice, Changes Board
Video entertainment group MultiChoice has made some changes to its board as French media giant Canal+ officially takes control of the South African-founded company.
The merging parties today announced that the mandatory takeover offer by Canal+ for the shares of MultiChoice Group it does not already own has become unconditional, with all necessary regulatory conditions complete.
According to the firms, Canal+ is now in effective control of MultiChoice Group and will start the integration process, creating a global media and entertainment powerhouse, serving over 40 million subscribers across close to 70 countries.
South African competition authorities recently approved, with conditions, the proposed multibillion-rand transaction.
This, after Canal+ made a mandatory offer to acquire the MultiChoice shares it does not own, for a consideration of R125 per share.
As of the close of business on 19 September, Canal+ directly owns 200 030 591 (46%) of the shares of MCG (excluding treasury shares).
In addition, acceptances in respect of a further 9 767 641 (2.2%) of MCG shares (excluding treasury shares) have already been tendered to Canal+ in terms of the Canal+ offer prior to the publication of the finalisation announcement. Canal+ is, therefore, in effective control of MCG.
All the shares which are still to be tendered into the Canal+ offer, which is now unconditional, will further increase Canal+’s shareholding in MCG.
“The acquisition of MCG by Canal+ marks the largest transaction ever undertaken by Canal+, cementing the combined group’s position as a global media and entertainment company,” says the French media giant.
The combined group will serve more than 40 million subscribers across close to 70 countries in Africa, Europe and Asia, supported by a workforce of approximately 17 000 employees.
In South Africa, Canal+ and MCG have committed to a robust package of public interest measures. These include supporting firms controlled by historically disadvantaged persons and small, micro and medium enterprises in the South African audio-visual sector, as well as maintaining funding for local general entertainment and sports content produced by South African creators.
The firms note that the integration of MCG and Canal+ will now start to take place.
For MultiChoice customers, all subscription and billing arrangements will remain the same.
New board takes over
The MCG board has made certain changes to its composition and leadership team to allow for suitable Canal+ representation, while maintaining its independence, the companies say.
The new MCG board, which includes a majority of independent directors, has been constituted to ensure stability through the transition while seeking to introduce fresh skills and international expertise, and will oversee a renewed commercial drive in pursuit of sustainable growth, they add.
With effect from the release of the finalisation announcement today, 22 September, Maxime Saada takes the helm as chair of the new MCG board, with Elias Masilela appointed lead independent director.
The executive team includes David Mignot as chief executive officer, Nicolas Dandoy as chief financial officer, and Jacques du Puy as an executive member.
Independent non-executive directors Kgomotso Moroka, Louisa Stephens, Deborah Klein, and James du Preez add governance depth and external expertise.
A majority of the new MCG board (Masilela, Adv Moroka, Stephens, Klein and du Preez) served as independent non-executive directors of MCG previously, and will continue to serve as independent non-executive directors.
The new directors (Saada, Mignot, Dandoy and du Puy) were appointed by the MCG board, in accordance with the memorandum of incorporation of MCG, with effect from the release of the finalisation announcement today.
The remaining members of the previous MCG board (Calvo Mawela, Timothy Jacobs, Christine Sabwa, Dr Fatai Sanusi and Andrea Zappia) resigned from the MCG Board with effect from the release of the finalisation announcement today.
“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 reads.
Going forward, David Mignot and Nicolas Dandoy will respectively be CEO and CFO of the Canal+ African operations, which includes MCG.
These operations across the African continent will be chaired by Mawela, the outgoing CEO of MCG.
The outgoing CFO of MCG, Jacobs, will continue to hold a senior position in the finance department of the combined group.
In addition, a general meeting of MCG shareholders will be convened in the coming weeks to vote on proposals to elect Anant Singh (independent non-executive director), Amandine Ferre (executive director) and Mireille Kabamba (non-executive director) as new directors of MCG, and for shareholders to confirm the appointment of the other new directors referred to above.
Important step forward
Says Saada: “Today marks an important step forward for Canal+, as we begin to integrate MultiChoice to create a group with enhanced scale, reach and creativity.
“Our combined company is unique, a true global media and entertainment powerhouse, serving more than 40 million subscribers across close to 70 countries. This combination increases our ability to invest in creative and sporting content throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. We will be able to leverage the diverse talent which sits throughout the group to bring to life compelling local and international stories, both from our in-house production studio STUDIOCANAL and global platforms, and the best national and global sports, all on a world leading platform.
“As we step forward together, I am pleased we have delivered on a key part of the strategy we set out as we became a listed company in our own right last year, strengthening our position in the highest-growth pay-TV markets in the world – Africa, while continuing to deepen our leading position in Europe.
“I want to thank the teams at Canal+ and MultiChoice who have made this transaction a reality. We will now begin to integrate MultiChoice, delivering greater value for all stakeholders. I look forward to providing the market with a more detailed update on the strategy of our combined group during the first quarter of next year.”
Mawela, chair of Canal+ Africa, adds: “Today we are starting an exciting new journey, one that will bring fresh opportunities for growth and success for our company and the entire African media industry.
“Over the past three decades, we’ve built something special – grounded in innovation, resilience and a shared commitment to bring great content to our audiences. Going forward, this commitment remains unchanged to our audiences everywhere.
“The new combined leadership team brings a strong vision and deep expertise to the whole Canal+ Africa business, which will take the group to greater heights. Through our combined scale, shared strengths and expanded capabilities, we are set to deliver more value to our customers, great entertainment for our audiences and ongoing support to the communities we serve.”
David Mignot, CEO of Canal+ Africa, comments: “As a combined company, we are building on strong foundations to create a media and entertainment powerhouse to serve African consumers. I am proud to lead Canal+’s operations across the continent, including our operations in South Africa.
“Canal+ and MultiChoice have both been pioneers, and we are now uniting our cultures of excellence, creativity, technology, and storytelling to create something unique.
Together, we will harness digital innovation, from streaming and mobile platforms to advanced distribution, to expand access, enhance experiences, and bring compelling programming to more homes, while giving Africa a stronger voice on the world stage.”
David Adedeji Adeleke, known professionally as Davido, has shared his past suicidal thoughts as he dropped Oriadé, his sixth studio album yesterday.
Davido
Davido said he chose the date on purpose as it marks exactly 15 years since he began his professional music career.
Oriadé is a Yoruba word combining “Ori,” meaning destiny, and “Adé,” meaning crown.
It translates to “the crowned head.” The album has 13 tracks and features Black Sherif, Aya Nakamura, Leon Thomas, Mayorkun, and Llona.
It follows his 2025 project, 5ive, which reached number two on the Billboard World Albums chart.
Davido also announced an international tour to support the new record.
In the days leading up to the release, Davido gave interviews that revealed personal details about his past and his current life.
Speaking to Vibe Magazine on Thursday, he described a 2014 incident in Ghana that left him feeling suicidal.
He said he invited a woman back to his hotel room after a show, and she later posted a photo of him sleeping online.
He said the fallout overwhelmed him.
“My daddy was calling me. My sisters were calling me. If I saw the balcony that day, I would have jumped,” he said.
He said he was young at the time and did not fully understand the consequences of his actions.
He described the experience as a turning point that changed how he thinks about privacy and fame.
In the same interview, he explained why he often dresses down in public despite his wealth.
He recalled a trip to the South of France where he went out in shorts and slippers without his watch.
“I’ve been on jets, I’ve been flying, I’ve been in all these places since I was a baby. I’ve been seeing money since I was a baby. So all these things don’t really excite me,” he said.
He added that he sometimes prefers to drive a Toyota to the supermarket in Atlanta instead of one of his luxury cars.
In a separate livestream with Davrel, Davido spoke about how his life has changed since marrying his wife, Chioma, and becoming a father.
He said his home no longer holds the large crowds it once did.
“I can no longer have 100 people in my house like before,” he said.
He said he speaks to Chioma every day regardless of his schedule.
He also disclosed that he spends between $200,000 and $300,000 a month on himself, not including costs for his wife, children, jewelry and cars.
He said the amount is lower when he is in the United States, where he described his lifestyle as quieter.
Africa Prudential Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to digital transformation, revenue diversification and sustainable growth after reporting a strong financial performance for the first half of 2026.
Dr Catherine Nwosu
The company made this known during its H1 2026 Investor Call, which brought together institutional investors, shareholders, investment analysts, regulators and other stakeholders to review its financial performance and strategic outlook.
Dr Catherine Nwosu, managing director and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Prudential, said the company’s performance reflected the resilience of its business model and the effectiveness of its long-term growth strategy despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges.
According to the company’s financial results, gross earnings rose by 27 per cent year-on-year to N4.28 billion, from N3.34 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
Profit before tax increased by 22 per cent to N2.41 billion, while profit after tax grew by 18 per cent to N1.59 billion.
The company also reported a 27 per cent rise in net operating income to N4.21 billion, while total assets increased by 13 per cent to N46.53 billion.
Shareholders’ funds equally rose by 13 per cent to N12.52 billion, reflecting continued financial strength.
Management attributed the performance to sustained growth in its core registrar business, increased corporate action activities in the Nigerian capital market, improved treasury earnings and rising adoption of its technology-driven solutions.
The company said it was steadily transforming from a traditional share registrar into a broader technology and business solutions provider serving Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.
During the interactive session, investors sought clarification on the sustainability of earnings, particularly as interest rates are expected to moderate.
Responding, Nwosu said the company was deliberately expanding its recurring fee-based revenue streams to reduce dependence on treasury income.
“Interest rates influence our treasury income positively, but that is why we are deliberately diversifying our revenue streams.
“Our strategy is to grow recurring fee-based business lines such as our digital solutions, Know Your Customer (KYC) services, Annual General Meeting (AGM) technology, probate services and the SabiVest mobile app.
“Over time, this will reduce our reliance on interest income and create a more balanced and resilient earnings mix,” she said.
Nwosu noted that increasing capital market activities had created stronger demand for seamless digital investor experiences, improved operational efficiency and enhanced compliance solutions.
She said the company would continue investing in technology-enabled products capable of delivering long-term value to shareholders while strengthening its competitive position.
According to her, Africa Prudential has identified five strategic priorities for the second half of 2026.
The priorities include driving sustainable growth across its core registrar and emerging business lines, accelerating technology-led product innovation, strengthening brand leadership, investing in talent development and deepening corporate governance.
She said the investor engagement demonstrated the company’s commitment to transparency, accountability and regular engagement with shareholders and the investment community.
Africa Prudential reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging innovation, operational excellence and sound financial management to sustain growth and strengthen its leadership position in Nigeria’s capital market.
Gugu Gumede and S’Dumo Mtshali, the power couple in Netflix’s telenovela, The Polygamist, will be guest on this week’s edition of African Voices, which is sponsored by Globacom on Cable News Network (CNN).
The 22-episode sitcom focuses on the misadventures of an adulterous spouse who unknowingly entangles his family in the difficulties of polygamy.
The film depicts a series of intrigues, betrayals, and other events that shattered the harmony of a once-perfect marriage.
The fictional couple in Johannesburg are interviewed by the programme’s anchor, Larry Madowo, for a 30-minute show in which they discuss their personal experiences and the difficulties they have in the film industry, such as coping with popularity and typecasting and advocating for more actor protections.
Gumede, a 34-year-old South African who attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles to study acting, portrayed Joyce Gomora in the telenovela.
In addition to her part in The Polygamist, Gumede has portrayed Mamlambo, a prophetess on “Uzalo”, the most watched television program in South Africa, and Mandisa in “Generations”, one of the country’s most popular series.
Mtshali, a 43-year-old South African actor who portrayed Jonasi Gomora, gained notoriety in 2010 after competing in and winning the SABC1 reality program, “Class Act”. In the same year, he landed his first major part in the drama series “Intersexions” on SABC1.
Among other films, he has starred in “Inside Story” (2011), “Avenged” (2013), “iNumber Number: Jozi Gold” (2023), “Back of the Moon”, and “The Four of Us” (2025).
This special double-cast episode will feature on DSTV channel 401 on Saturday at 8a.m. It will be repeated same day at 11a.m., Sunday at 3.30a.m.,6p.m., Monday at 3a.m. and 5.45p.m. as well as on Tuesday,5.45p.m.
The repeats continue next week Saturday at 7.30a.m., 11a.m.;Sunday 3.30a.m., 6p.m.,and on Monday at 3a.m.
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