M-Net's Linear Offering Could Undergo Further Streamlining Once Canal+ Takeover Deal Is Completed

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M-Net serves as a division of MultiChoice which comprise of shows like Carte Blanche, Summertide, Battleground and Umkhokha: The Curse. They also offer TV channels viewed across various markets such as Africa Magic, Mzansi Magic, KykNet, Maisha Magic and Pearl Magic.

As some may have heard, Canal+ is looking to complete it's transaction to acquire MultiChoice following its split from Vivendi in 2023. The deal is subjected to various regulatory approvals with both companies giving themselves until April 2025 to complete this transaction.

Should this deal move forward, we anticipate for MultiChoice to lose its license as broadcaster outside of South Africa it's likely that the remainder of MultiChoice could be focused on driving growth to Showmax. As for M-Net, SuperSport and DStv, those will all be under French control.

Despite being a French broadcaster, Canal+ has expanded its operations through Viaplay in Nordic countries, VIU in Asia and as already mentioned MultiChoice in Africa. With this transaction, there has been a lot of fear amongst the media that Canal+ will seek to scale back on content.

Vivendi already abandoned the broadcaster and left the window open for new investments meaning similar to Naspers abandonment of MultiChoice the money is limited. With MultiChoice already facing losses within DStv, cuts are inevitable and Canal+ had hinted on this.

With them already having operations in Francophone Africa, Canal+ could seek to reduce commissions coming to Africa Magic and replace them with imports from Zacu TV. Maybe even look to separate MultiChoice Studios from their cable networks and have cheaper programming filter their schedule.

Worst case scenario is folding Akwaaba Magic under Africa Magic as it minimises exposure and again reduces commissions. That's what happened when MultiChoice decided to axe ITV Choice it was only Coronation Street and Emmerdale that carried it on M-Net.

In the end, most sources are anticipating cuts to await this transaction cause from everyone's understanding Showmax is the main priority for MultiChoice and they can't be spending excessively. With DStv's current performance, it would make sense to shift the goalpost to Showmax and have DStv promote.