Digital Media & Electronic Communications Archives - Werksmans Attorneys

MultiChoice Group

@werksmans — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:08:54 +0000

Advised as broadcasting regulatory advisors on the acquisition by Groupe Canal+ of the remaining shares in MultiChoice Group Limited. This was the largest media M&A deal in Africa. The matter was awarded the Deal of the Year at the DealMakers Awards 2025. In further recognition of its work on this matter, Werksmans was also awarded the TMT Team of the Year at the African Legal Awards in 2025.

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MultiChoice Group Limited (“MCG”)

@werksmans — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:08:54 +0000

Advised on numerous aspects of this unique pan-African media and technology transaction in our capacity as the broadcasting advisors to MCG, including regarding the transaction structure, compliance with applicable sector-specific regulatory obligations, and preparing the sector-specific regulatory filings in numerous jurisdictions in sub-Sahara Africa. Werksmans was responsible for the advice, preparation and management of TMT sector regulatory applications/notifications for MCG where required in numerous African countries, ensuring the smooth navigation of regulatory processes. These included regulatory approvals required and obtained in respect of the broadcasting, subscription management services, telecommunications, signal distribution, frequency spectrum, and Internet service provision licences held by various entities within the MCG Group. The team’s expertise in managing these critical aspects of the transaction for MCG was instrumental in its successful execution. In recognition of Werksmans’ role in this deal, Werksmans’ Digital Media and Electronic Communications Practice was awarded the African Legal Awards Technology Media and Telecommunications (TMT) Team of the Year Award, 2025.

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MultiChoice South Africa (Pty) Ltd

@werksmans — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:07:01 +0000

This matter involves an Inquiry into Subscription Broadcasting Services (“Pay TV Inquiry”) by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (“ICASA”). ICASA is the regulator responsible for licencing and regulating broadcasting services in South Africa. Werksmans represents MultiChoice in relation to all aspects of the Inquiry and plays an integral role in preparing information and submissions to be provided to ICASA for its consideration in the Inquiry.

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Media24

@werksmans — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:05:45 +0000

Advised on all aspects relating to the publication of newspapers and magazines, as well as online publishing (e.g. defamation, protection of sources, compliance with legislation imposing restrictions on the media, privacy and copyright).

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4Racing Proprietary Limited (“4Racing”)

@werksmans — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:04:25 +0000

Advised in concluding a series of agreements with Phumelela Gaming and Leisure Limited (in business rescue) (“PGL”), in terms of which 4Racing acquired from PGL the horse racing, media production and distribution of horse racing products and tote betting business conducted by PGL.

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A local listed company

@werksmans — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:03:00 +0000

Advised on its acquisition of an online betting company and in particular, advising on the intellectual property rights, technology proprietary licensing and open-source licensing and data protection aspects of the transaction including advising on the transfer of the relevant technology solution/s to the acquirer in line with relevant local laws, including gaming laws and SABS requirements.

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Blue Label Telecoms Limited (“BLT”)

@werksmans — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:01:28 +0000

Werksmans represented BLT, a company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, in the application to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (“ICASA” by Cell C Limited (“Cell C”) for approval to transfer control of Cell C’s licences to BLT’s wholly owned subsidiary, The Prepaid Company. Cell C is the 4th largest mobile operator (by subscribers) and the leading mobile virtual network operator in South Africa, and the holder of valuable service and frequency spectrum licences issued by ICASA. This matter was key to ensuring the continued sustainability and viability of Cell C, which was technically insolvent, operating at a loss and burdened by unsustainable debt. The transaction was in the best interests of Cell C, its employees and customers. The transaction enhanced competition, promoted consumer interests and ensured sustainability in the ICT sector. Pursuant to the transaction, BLT acquired additional shares in Cell C, giving BLT a controlling interest, which allowed BLT to introduce strategic shareholder direction to Cell C. Werksmans provided strategic, technical and practical advice regarding structuring the deal and obtain regulatory approvals. Werksmans also drafted the applications for the regulatory approvals, responded to all requests for information from the regulators, drafted Cell C’s responses to comments and objections from interested parties, prepared documents for the hearings before the regulators, represented Cell C in the hearings before the regulators, and managed a team of economists and senior counsel. Notwithstanding the competitor opposition to the transaction, ICASA approved the transaction, unlocking the benefits of the deal. Post-transaction, Werksmans advised on post-transaction regulatory requirements, including preparing and submitting the requisite notifications to ICASA. In its SENS announcement announcing the ICASA approval, BLT stated that “this approval represents a significant milestone for Blue Label and a crucial step in advancing its strategy to obtain control over Cell C”.

After the deal closed, an indirect shareholder in Cell C has instituted proceedings in the High Court to review and set aside ICASA’s decision to approve the transfer of control. Werksmans is advising and representing Blu Label, TPC and Cell C in the litigation.

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Blu Label Unlimited (Blu Label)

@werksmans — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:00:15 +0000

Cell C Limited (Cell C), the fourth biggest mobile operator in South Africa, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (via a holding company) in November 2025.

Werksmans advised Blu Label, the controlling shareholder in Cell C until the listing, on the sector-specific regulatory requirements applicable to the listing, including the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Requirements, and advised on the transaction structuring in order to ensure telecommunications regulatory compliance. Post-transaction, Werksmans also advised Cell C on the regulatory approval and notification requirements applicable to the transaction, advised on the regulatory aspects of the deal agreements, and prepared the notification to ICASA following the change of shareholding in Cell C. R2.4 billion in proceeds from the deal were earmarked to go towards creating the B-BBEE company to hold up to 30% in Cell C. The listing of Cell C marked a significant step in Cell C’s growth, reinforced its growth strategy, and strengthened its competitive position across telecommunications business segments.

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Digital Media & Electronic Communications

@werksmans — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 13:11:43 +0000

Groupe Canal+’s (“Canal+”) acquisition of MultiChoice Group Limited (“MCG”), this matter concerns the proposed transaction involving the public offer by Canal+ to acquire the remaining shares of MCG. MCG, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, is a leading provider of entertainment and related consumer services. It provides video entertainment products and services through its linear and streaming platforms to 23.5million households across 50 countries on the African continent. Canal+ is a leading international multimedia company, which is active in television broadcasting and distribution through its subsidiaries in Africa, Asia and Europe.

The acquisition is subject to competition and sector regulatory approval in multiple jurisdictions in sub-Sahara Africa. The Transaction is the largest media merger ever in Africa. It will build a global entertainment leader, with Africa at its heart, combining scale, complementary geographies, and integrated and international reach with strong local roots.

The Werksmans team was led by Wendy Rosenberg, Director and Head of the Digital Media & Electronics practice area who served as the key client relationship manager and strategic lead, overseeing all broadcasting aspects of the transaction and ensuring seamless coordination across multiple jurisdictions, including being the key advisor to MCG on the broadcasting related aspects of the terms of the transaction.

Tebogo Sibidla, a Director in Wendy’s team, provided a key role, particularly in advising on and managing the regulatory applications/notifications in seven countries.

Given the complexity of this multi-jurisdictional transaction, Samantha Sinden, a Director in Wendy’s team, played a critical role as the project manager for the Werksmans team, working closely with Wendy Rosenberg to drive the execution of the regulatory aspects of the transaction. Samantha was the primary liaison with the MCG legal team working on the broadcasting regulatory aspects, overseeing the day-to-day progress of the regulatory aspects of the transaction and ensuring alignment across all stakeholders.

This transaction has the potential to reshape the media and entertainment landscape across the continent.

The transaction will equip the combined group to respond to key pressures, thereby promoting the sustainability of key players in the African broadcasting space.

As the broadcasting advisors to MCG, Werksmans is playing a pivotal role in obtaining the regulatory approvals without which the transaction may not proceed.

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