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Canal+ Takes Full Control of MultiChoice in Landmark Merger

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The MultiChoice Group (MCG) has officially come under the control of French media giant Canal+, following the fulfilment of all conditions for the merger. The transaction, finalized on 19 September 2025, marks the largest acquisition in Canal+’s history.

 

MCG confirmed that all suspensive conditions to the takeover have either been met or waived, rendering the Canal+ offer unconditional. The settlement process will now begin, pending a compliance certificate from South Africa’s Takeover Regulation Panel.

 

As of close of business on 19 September, Canal+ directly owned 46% of MCG’s shares, with an additional 2.2% already tendered, effectively giving the French broadcaster majority control. More shares are expected to be added under the now-unconditional offer.

 

The acquisition creates a global media powerhouse with more than 40 million subscribers across 70 countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia, supported by about 17,000 employees.

 

Commitments to South Africa

 

As part of the merger, Canal+ and MultiChoice pledged to safeguard public interest by supporting historically disadvantaged businesses and SMMEs in South Africa’s audio-visual sector, while continuing to fund local sports and entertainment content. Subscription and billing arrangements for customers will remain unchanged.

 

Canal+ will release a detailed strategic update in early 2026, outlining its vision for the combined group.

 

Leadership Restructuring

 

The deal also comes with major leadership changes. A new board took office on 22 September, led by Maxime Saada as Chair, Elias Masilela as Lead Independent Director, David Mignot as CEO, and Nicolas Dandoy as CFO. Several independent non-executive directors remain on the board, while former CEO Calvo Mawela and other executives stepped down.

 

Mawela will, however, chair Canal+’s African operations, while outgoing CFO Timothy Jacobs will remain in a senior finance role within the combined group.

 

Saada described the merger as a turning point:

 

 “Our combined company is unique, a true global media and entertainment powerhouse. This combination increases our ability to invest in creative and sporting content throughout Europe, Africa and Asia.”

Voting Rights Reforms

To comply with South Africa’s broadcasting laws, MultiChoice has established Multichoice Proprietary Limited (LicenceCo) to hold its broadcasting licence. This ensures South African ownership and governance while allowing Canal+ to exercise full voting rights attached to its shares.

 

The merger not only consolidates Canal+’s stake in Africa’s leading pay-TV operator but also strengthens its global footprint, setting the stage for new investments in media and sports content worldwide.

 

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Banking and Finance

Weakening U.S. Dollar Boosts Ghana Cedi Amid Forex Pressures – Bank of Ghana

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The Bank of Ghana says the recent decline in the value of the U.S. dollar has played a major role in supporting the Ghana Cedi, helping to steady the local currency despite continued challenges in the foreign exchange market.

 

According to the Central Bank, the U.S. dollar index fell by about 8 percent between January and August 2025. This was largely due to a slowdown in the American labour market and growing expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve would begin cutting interest rates.

 

In its September 2025 Monetary Policy Report, the Bank explained that the weaker dollar, along with the increasing global use of alternative currencies like the Chinese Yuan for trade and commodity payments, contributed to the strengthening of several emerging market currencies — including Ghana’s cedi.

 

However, the local currency still faced headwinds during the period, mainly from high import demand and reduced foreign exchange supply. These challenges were linked to issues in the Gold-for-Forex programme and a dip in remittance inflows.

 

Despite these pressures, the Cedi recorded notable gains — appreciating by 28.95 percent against the U.S. dollar, 19.49 percent against the British pound, and 14.08 percent against the euro on a year-to-date basis. This marks a sharp turnaround from the significant losses seen during the same period in 2024.

 

The Bank of Ghana noted that the Cedi’s short-term stability will rely on maintaining high gold prices, improving forex liquidity through new directives to mining companies, and ensuring continued fiscal discipline.

 

Additionally, positive investor confidence from the recent IMF programme reviews and shifts in U.S. monetary policy are expected to further influence the Cedi’s outlook in the coming months.

 

 

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Business

KGL Group Chairman, Alex Apau Dadey Honored with Forbes Best of Africa Corporate Leadership & Innovation Award

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Alex Apau Dadey, the distinguished Executive Chairman of KGL Group, has been celebrated with the prestigious Forbes Best of Africa Corporate Leadership and Innovation Award at a high-profile Leadership and Philanthropy Forum held at the House of Lords in London.

 

The award was formally presented by Mark A. Furlong, President of Custom Solutions Media for Forbes Media, who commended Mr. Dadey’s exceptional achievements in steering KGL Group to remarkable technological heights.

Presenting the honor, Mr. Furlong stated:

“On behalf of the Forbes Best of Africa Award Committee, it is my honor to present to you the Forbes Best of Africa Corporate Leadership & Innovation Award.”

 

The official citation praised Mr. Dadey’s transformative leadership:

 

“As Executive Chairman of KGL Group, you have successfully led the company’s expansion into digital solutions, fintech, and technology-driven platforms that have revolutionized Ghana’s lottery and gaming industry while fostering financial inclusion. Under your stewardship, KGL Group has risen to become a leading African corporate brand, exemplifying innovation, social impact, and sustainable business practices.”

 

Receiving the award alongside his wife and children, Mr. Dadey expressed heartfelt appreciation:

 

“I am truly humbled by this recognition. My sincere gratitude goes to the Forbes team for this honor, and to the extraordinary team at KGL Group, including our Board, Management, and Staff, whose dedication has made this possible. I want to encourage all Africans in the diaspora to return home and contribute their knowledge to building the continent. After living in London for over 20 years, I made the decision to return to Ghana to serve and create impact. Ten years on, I am proud to have built one of Ghana’s most successful technology-driven businesses, and I am honored that Forbes recognizes this journey.”

 

The Forbes Best of Africa Awards celebrate visionary business leaders who are building globally competitive enterprises while making significant contributions to Africa’s economic and social development.

Other distinguished honorees included:

 

• Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and CEO of Nigeria’s Bank of Industry (BOI), the country’s oldest and largest development finance institution

• Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, Group CEO of Konga, renowned for advancing e-commerce, digital infrastructure, and payments across emerging markets.

 

CSR Dominance of KGL Group in Ghana:

 

Apart from leading KGL Group to become the leading corporate brand in Africa, Mr. Alex Dadey has also achieved significantly in the areas of Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) and Corporate Social Investment(CSI) projects in Ghana including sponsoring the Ghana Black Stars to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, construction of multimillion-dollar ultra-modern Mental Health Facility in the Ashanti Region in partnership with the King of Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, free supply of incubators to various hospitals in Ghana, GHS 3 million annually to support Stabilization Fund of NLA, GHS 2 million annually to support NLA Good Causes Foundation, Scholarships to several orphans & destitute children, sponsorship packages for various charity organizations across Ghana and Africa, and currently steps are being taken by KGL Group to partner Ghana Medical Trust Fund(also known as MahamaCares), a landmark initiative of President John Mahama aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals living with chronic diseases across Ghana. The Mahamacares seeks to cover the cost of care and medication for Non-communicable diseases not currently included under the National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS), as well as invest in health infrastructure, medical equipment, specialist training, and research to enhance access to quality healthcare delivery in Ghana.

 

Indeed, Mr. Alex Dadey deserves to be celebrated as a Statesman and successful entrepreneur who uphold service to God, Country, and Humanity, and Forbes Media is proud to be associated with the brand of KGL Group and Mr. Alex Apau Dadey.

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Business

Samsung Ordered to Pay $445.5 Million for Infringing Wireless Technology Patents

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A federal jury in Marshall, Texas, has ordered Samsung Electronics to pay nearly $445.5 million in damages to Collision Communications after finding the tech giant guilty of infringing on multiple wireless communication patents.

 

The jury determined that Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones, laptops, and other wireless-enabled devices violated four patents owned by Collision Communications, which are related to 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi communication standards.

 

This ruling adds to a series of multi-million-dollar patent infringement verdicts against Samsung in the same Texas court in recent years.

 

Collision Communications, based in Peterborough, New Hampshire, filed the lawsuit in 2023, alleging that Samsung used its patented technology—originally developed through research by defense contractor BAE Systems—to enhance wireless network efficiency. BAE Systems, however, is not involved in the case.

 

Samsung has denied the allegations, arguing that the patents in question are invalid. Representatives from both companies have yet to issue public comments following the verdict.

Source: Reuters

 

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