Canal+ faces $244 million antitrust risk in South Africa after $2 billion MultiChoice deal
French media group Canal+ is facing an early regulatory hurdle in Africa following its $2 billion acquisition of MultiChoice, after South Africa’s Competition Commission formally referred MultiChoice and its electronics supplier, Altech UEC South Africa, to the Competition Tribunal over alleged anti-competitive conduct.
Black News 
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French media group Canal+ is facing an early regulatory hurdle in Africa following its $2 billion acquisition of MultiChoice, after South Africa’s Competition Commission formally referred MultiChoice and its electronics supplier, Altech UEC South Africa, to the Competition Tribunal over alleged anti-competitive conduct.
- Canal+ is confronting an early regulatory test in Africa after acquiring MultiChoice for $2 billion.
- South Africa’s Competition Commission has accused MultiChoice of collusion with a supplier.
- Authorities are seeking a penalty of up to $244 million, which could impact Canal+.
- The case adds uncertainty as the company targets significant cost savings from the deal.
The case centres on claims that MultiChoice and Altech entered into an agreement that prevented Altech from entering or competing in South Africa’s pay-TV market, where MultiChoice operates.
According to the Commission, the arrangement dates back to February 2014 and allegedly involved the division of markets by allocating suppliers or services in contravention of South Africa’s Competition Act.
In a media statement issued on Monday, May 4, 2026, the Competition Commission said its investigation found that “MultiChoice and Altech reached an agreement for Altech not to enter or compete in the pay-TV market where MultiChoice operates.”
Business Insider Africa reports that the regulator added that it is seeking an order declaring both companies in breach of Section 4(1)(b)(ii) of the Competition Act and is pursuing administrative penalties of up to 10 per cent of their respective annual turnover.
The proposed penalty could expose MultiChoice to a fine estimated at roughly $244 million based on its South African revenue. Since Canal+ completed its acquisition of the broadcaster in December, any financial sanction would ultimately affect the French media giant, potentially complicating its broader African expansion strategy
MultiChoice, which has consistently denied wrongdoing, has not publicly commented on the latest referral to the Tribunal. A hearing date has not yet been announced.
The regulatory pressure comes at a critical time for Canal+, which has presented the MultiChoice acquisition as a cornerstone of its ambitions to deepen its footprint across African media and entertainment markets.
The company previously told investors it expects annual cost savings of about $176 million in the first year after the acquisition, with projected efficiencies rising to more than $471 million annually later in the decade.
Industry analysts say the outcome of the case could influence Canal+’s operational flexibility and regulatory standing in one of Africa’s largest and most competitive broadcasting markets.
