Sipho Maseko, Former Telkom CEO Is Also Reported To Be Joining Canal+/MultiChoice Deal

Canal+ is currently engaging with local regulators over the proposed transaction to acquire the remaining shares in MultiChoice of which they hold 45%. Vivendi, who serves as the parent company for the broadcaster is looking to spinoff Canal+ with a meeting of a proposed split being held in the coming weeks.

Canal+ is using this proposed transaction to increase its consumer base with them and MultiChoice looking to scale up over giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. For several months, they've been trying to navigate restrictions over foreign investors and other exclusive undertakings.

It was previously reported that South Africa's richest black man Patrice Motsepe was in talks to join the bid to help meet the country's black ownership requirements. Since then, it was stated that the French broadcaster was looking for someone else other than Patrice to help them finalize the deal.

According to another report from Africa Intelligence, Sipho Maseko who served as the former chief executive officer at Telkom could be joining in Canal+'s pursuit over the pay-tv company. Sources familiar with the transaction say he could become a shareholder taking up a stake or a director of the merged entity.

Both companies have given themselves until April 2025 to finalize the transaction and meet all the necessary requirements to get this transaction approved. Should it be greenlit, Canal+'s consumer base would extend to over 40 million households making Africa it's largest market with over 27 million subscribers.

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