Canal+ and MultiChoice have concluded their discussions regarding their intended post-transaction structure of MultiChoice.
Key features of the intended post-transaction structure include:
- The MultiChoice Group will be restructured so that the current holder of the broadcasting licence in South Africa and the entity which contracts with South African subscribers, MultiChoice, will be carved out of the MultiChoice Group and will become an independent entity. The remainder of the group’s video entertainment assets will remain part of the MultiChoice Group.
- LicenceCo will continue to hold the subscription broadcasting licence in South Africa. It will continue to contract with MultiChoice’s South African subscribers.
- LicenceCo will be majority owned by Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDPs), made up of Phuthuma Nathi, which will ultimately hold a 27% economic interest in LicenceCo; two well established black-owned and -managed companies, Identity Partners Itai Consortium and Afrifund Consortium, whose experienced leaders bring commercial and industry knowledge; and a Workers’ Trust (ESOP).
- MultiChoice Group’s shareholding in LicenceCo will ultimately give it a 49% economic interest and 20% share of voting rights.
- MultiChoice Group will also retain its existing 75% direct interest in MultiChoice South Africa, which will exclude LicenceCo. Phuthuma Nathi will similarly retain its existing 25% interest in MultiChoice South Africa.
- LicenceCo will enter into various commercial agreements with MultiChoice Group subsidiaries in relation to the services currently provided to LicenceCo by other MultiChoice Group entities. These relate to, among other things, the provision of content, technology, subscriber management and support and other functions.
- The transaction will not lead to any disruption for LicenceCo’s South African viewers, who will continue to access its services as normal. In time those subscribers will benefit from the additional content and technology investments envisaged by the MultiChoice Group, in its capacity as supplier to LicenceCo.
Canal+ and MultiChoice are confident that the envisaged structure meets the requirements of all applicable laws, including the restrictions on foreign ownership and control of broadcasting licences contained in the Electronic Communications Act, 2005.
The LicenceCo structure has been submitted to the South African Competition and is being considered. Along with the attendant shareholder transactions, it be finalised upon receiving the necessary approval of the relevant authorities.
The transaction remains subject to regulatory review across numerous jurisdictions, including South Africa. It will also be assessed by the Independent Board of Phuthuma Nathi that is being constituted to review and consider the necessary formal proposals in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Maxime Saada, CEO of Canal+, says: “This transaction is an opportunity to create a unique global media company, with a strong presence across Africa, with the scale, expertise and creativity to compete and partner with the largest players within the media sector and beyond.
“I am confident that the contemplated post-transaction structure will comply with South Africa’s laws and regulations. Canal+ has placed Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment at the heart of the transaction and is delighted to welcome in this potential structure, alongside Phuthuma Nathi, new HDP shareholders and broadened employee ownership.
“We remain committed to deliver on our ambition to bring MultiChoice and Canal+ together, with today’s announcement representing another step forward.”
Calvo Mawela, CEO of MultiChoice Group, adds: “We are very pleased about the progress that has been made in relation to this transaction. In a fast-evolving industry that is becoming increasingly competitive, the opportunity to combine our efforts to increase scale and bring our subscribers an even better offering is something that continues to excite us.
“MultiChoice has a long and proud history of creating significant value for the shareholders of Phuthuma Nathi, one of the most successful BBBEE schemes in South Africa. To continue this journey with Phuthuma Nathi, while at the same time broadening the BBBEE participation in our business through new partnerships that also involves our staff, is an inspiring prospect.”