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.