What Canal+’s MultiChoice Takeover Means for DStv in Kenyan Bars and Hotels

Kenyan bars, restaurants, and hotels that rely on DStv to attract customers with live sports are unlikely to experience immediate changes following the completion of MultiChoice’s takeover, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, by Canal+.

Canal+ has confirmed that existing billing and subscription arrangements will remain unchanged during the transition, offering reassurance to commercial subscribers who depend on the platform to broadcast football.

This means that businesses will continue operating under their current DStv subscriptions as Canal+ integrates MultiChoice into its global media network.

Canal+ MultiChoice Deal: What It Means for Kenyan Bars

In Kenya, DStv has remained a key attraction, especially during the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, AFCON, and other major sporting events that draw customers to many bars, restaurants, and hotels in Kenya.

Also Read: Canal+ Rolls Out Ksh 15 Billion Plan to Revive MultiChoice as DStv Subscribers DeclineAlthough the company has not announced any changes to commercial subscription packages or pricing, the acquisition could shape the long-term future of the platform.

According to Canal+, the combined company will have greater financial strength and stronger bargaining power when negotiating sports and entertainment rights, while also investing more in African content and technology.

In addition, the company stated that any future changes to commercial subscriptions, programming, or pricing would be announced by Canal+ and MultiChoice after the integration process.

Completes MultiChoice Acquisition

The development follows Canal+’s completion of a multi-year acquisition of MultiChoice, making the parent company of DStv and GOtv a wholly owned subsidiary.

The deal valued MultiChoice at approximately $3 billion (R55 billion) after Canal+ offered R125 per share to acquire the remaining shares it did not already own.

Also Read:MultiChoice  Kenya Announces Major Price Cuts on DStv and GOtv Decoders

Following the transaction, Canal+ merged MultiChoice with its existing African operations to create Canal+ Africa, expanding its reach to more than 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Announcing the completion of the integration on Thursday, Chief Executive Officer of Canal+ Africa and MultiChoice, David Mignot, said the transaction ushers the South Africa-based broadcaster into a new phase of growth as part of a global media organisation.

“MultiChoice is now a full subsidiary of a truly international media group operating in 70 countries.

The group was founded in France, is listed in London and Johannesburg, and has a strong African presence with operations in more than 45 countries,” Mignot said in a statement.

The acquisition combines Canal+’s international operations with MultiChoice’s established footprint across sub-Saharan Africa, where the company reaches millions of households through its DStv and GOtv satellite and digital terrestrial television platforms, as well as its streaming service, Showmax.

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DStv satellite dish and decoder set
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