On Friday, October 24, 2025, MultiChoice Group shares ceased trading on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and the A2X. The company has confirmed that trading will be suspended on Monday, October 27, as MultiChoice transitions to a fully-owned subsidiary of Canal+.
The suspension of trading in MultiChoice shares will end on December 10, 2025, after several crucial processes are completed. The company outlined these significant dates in an announcement via the Stock Exchange News Services (SENS):
- Friday, October 24, 2025: Last trading day for MultiChoice shares on the JSE and A2X.
- Monday, October 27, 2025: Suspension of MultiChoice shares from listing on the JSE and A2X.
- Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Record date to be registered as a Remaining MultiChoice Shareholder.
- Friday, December 5, 2025: Last opportunity for shareholders to exercise Section 123(2) rights.
- Friday, December 5, 2025: Compulsory acquisition of remaining MultiChoice shares from Remaining MultiChoice Shareholders.
- Friday, December 5, 2025: Payment of the offer consideration to MultiChoice shareholders. Any unclaimed amounts will be held in trust for future claims.
- Wednesday, December 10, 2025: Final termination of MultiChoice shares listing on the JSE and A2X.
On October 13, 2025, MultiChoice announced that Groupe Canal+ had acquired 94.39% of its total issued ordinary shares. The buyout offer from Canal+ received overwhelming shareholder approval, with more than 90% voting in favour of the sale.
As a result of this majority acceptance, Canal+ intends to utilise Section 124(1) of the Companies Act to initiate a “squeeze-out” process for remaining MultiChoice shareholders.
“Following the squeeze-out, MultiChoice Group will officially become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Canal+. An application will be filed to terminate the listing of MultiChoice shares on the JSE,” the companies indicated.
This plan is contingent upon approval from the South African Reserve Bank, which has already been received, and the announcement of these important dates is now possible.
Canal+ has committed to launching a secondary inward listing on the JSE, complementing its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, subject to further regulatory approvals. This initiative aims to maintain accessibility for South African investors and ensure market liquidity.
The move will allow local investors to hold shares in a prominent global media and entertainment entity listed on the JSE. Canal+ emphasised that this acquisition marks the largest transaction in its history and solidifies its stance as a key player in the global media landscape.
The merger of MultiChoice and Canal+ is poised to serve over 40 million subscribers across nearly 70 nations in Africa, Europe, and Asia, supported by a workforce of approximately 17,000 employees.
Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+, noted, “We are thrilled with the successful execution of the offer. We are now poised to proceed with the squeeze-out of remaining shareholders and the subsequent inward listing of Canal+ in Johannesburg.”
Saada stressed the importance of Canal+’s role in South Africa and across Africa, affirming his belief that local investors need to have the opportunity to invest in the company.
