International law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) has provided legal counsel to Canal+ in its acquisition of South African media company MultiChoice. The deal, structured as an all-cash offer, marks a significant move for Canal+, which is owned by the French-based Canal+ Group.
Canal+ Group operates as a major international media company with about 26.4 million subscribers worldwide, including 17 million outside France. The group is involved in television broadcasting and distribution across several regions, such as France, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, and French overseas territories.
The acquisition reflects Canal+’s strategy to expand its global entertainment presence with a focus on Africa. According to the company, its African subscriber base has nearly doubled over the past five years. With this transaction, Canal+ aims to deliver African sports and stories both locally and internationally.
“This transaction underscores BCLP’s commitment to supporting clients’ strategic initiatives to drive growth and innovation, especially in the fast-evolving media and entertainment industry,” stated BCLP.
The deal was recognized at the 25th annual Ansarada DealMakers Awards as “Deal of the Year,” with judges describing it as a “transformational traction.”
The legal team from BCLP was led by UK Managing Partner Jinal Shah. Senior Associate Derryn Visser, Associates Conor McDonald and Cecilie Sørvig, along with Trainees Miriam Walters-Manneh and Rob Howarth supported the effort. Antitrust matters were managed by Andy Hockley, Head of Antitrust & Competition Practice at BCLP, assisted by Paul Culliford (Senior Associate), Thomas Wright (Associate), and Sarah Platts (Trainee). Brian Feezel from St. Louis oversaw US securities aspects of the transaction.
In South Africa, Bowmans acted as local counsel for Canal+, led by Chairman & Senior Partner Ezra Davids.
Due to regulations limiting foreign control of licensed broadcasters in South Africa, the transaction required complex reorganization of MultiChoice’s operations within that country. Marcus Pearl (Head of Technology, Commercial & Data) and Associate Vishnu Rege from BCLP advised on commercial elements related to this restructuring.
The information provided does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship with BCLP.