By URN
Groupe Canal+ (Canal+ S.A.), the French media and telecommunications conglomerate, is set to acquire Uganda’s leading pay-TV operators, MultiChoice Uganda Ltd and GOtv Uganda Ltd, both subsidiaries of MultiChoice Africa Holdings Ltd.
MultiChoice has been operating in Uganda for 30 years, holding a Subscriber Management License and a Public Service Provider Landing Rights License granted by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). GOtv Uganda Limited has also held a Public Service Multiple Stream License and a Public Infrastructure Provider License since 2011.
Currently, Canal+ owns 45.2 per cent of MultiChoice Group Limited and is seeking to acquire the remaining 54.8 per cent shares. If approved, Canal+ will gain 100 per cent control of MultiChoice Group Limited, and indirectly, control of MultiChoice Uganda and GOtv Uganda, while the local shareholding in both companies will remain unchanged.
As part of the acquisition process, MultiChoice Uganda and GOtv Uganda have applied to the UCC for approval of the transfer of licenses through a change of control from MultiChoice Group Limited to Canal+. The Commission will assess the applications in line with Section 43 of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103, and Regulation 102 of the Uganda Communications Licensing Regulations, 2019.
The Uganda Communications Commission emphasised the need to consider public interest before approving the request, and is inviting written comments from the public within 14 days of the notice.
MultiChoice entered the Ugandan market in 1994 as the country’s first pay-TV provider. Over the years, it has grown significantly, expanding from its initial DStv satellite service to include the GOtv digital terrestrial platform launched in 2011.
This proposed acquisition by Canal+ could potentially impact service offerings, content, and innovation for subscribers across the country.
