By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: Maxime Saada © Benjamin Decoin CANAL+ Photo Credit: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s capital markets have received a significant boost following the successful secondary inward listing of global media giant CANAL+ on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), in a landmark transaction that further strengthens the country’s position as Africa’s leading investment gateway.
The listing, advised by Standard Bank as joint financial advisor and transaction sponsor, marks a historic milestone for both the JSE and African capital markets, giving South African investors direct access to one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies while expanding the exchange’s international footprint.
The transaction positions CANAL+ as the first French company to list on the JSE and the only global media and entertainment company currently trading on the exchange, underscoring growing international confidence in South Africa’s sophisticated financial ecosystem.
A Strategic Win for South African Capital Markets
The inward secondary listing allows investors on the JSE to trade shares in CANAL+, which maintains its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Importantly, the structure preserves a single fungible pool of shares between the two exchanges, ensuring seamless trading and liquidity across both markets.
While no new shares were issued as part of the transaction, the listing is expected to significantly enhance the long-term liquidity and accessibility of CANAL+ shares while broadening the company’s shareholder base.
For South African investors, the move opens the door to a globally diversified media business with operations spanning more than 70 countries and a subscriber base exceeding 42 million customers worldwide.
Seen Here: Richard Stout of Standard Bank Photo Credit: Supplied
Standard Bank’s Role in a Landmark Transaction
Standard Bank played a central role in facilitating the listing, leveraging its deep expertise in equity capital markets, regulatory frameworks, and cross-border transactions.
The deal further reinforces the bank’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading advisors on complex capital markets transactions and demonstrates its ability to connect global corporations with African investment opportunities.
Richard Stout, Head of Equity Capital Markets for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa at Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking, described the transaction as a major achievement for local markets.
“This is a milestone transaction for the JSE and for South Africa’s equity capital markets more broadly. The listing brings a globally recognised media and entertainment business to the local market, expands the investable universe for domestic investors and reflects continued international confidence in the depth, sophistication and relevance of our exchange.”
CANAL+ Strengthens Its African Commitment
The listing follows CANAL+’s transformative combination with MultiChoice, further embedding the company within the African media landscape and aligning its operational presence with its capital markets strategy.
Africa has become a critical growth market for the company, driven by increasing connectivity, rising demand for premium and local content, and the rapid expansion of digital entertainment consumption across the continent.
CANAL+ has spent decades building its presence across Africa through investment in local content production, distribution networks, technology, and audience development.
The JSE listing now deepens the company’s relationship with African investors while supporting its broader ambition of becoming a leading entertainment platform spanning both Europe and Africa.
Building a Bridge Between Europe and Africa
Speaking on the significance of the listing, CANAL+ Chief Executive Officer Maxime Saada highlighted the strategic importance of establishing a capital markets presence in Johannesburg.
“We are proud to become the first French company ever to list in Johannesburg and the only global media and entertainment company listed on the exchange. Following our listing on the London Stock Exchange 18 months ago, this dual listing reinforces our ambition to be a bridge between Europe and Africa.”
He added that the move strengthens the company’s unique dual-continental positioning and supports its long-term vision within the global media and entertainment industry.
A Positive Signal for Global Investors
The listing sends a strong signal to international businesses considering Africa as a destination for investment and growth. It also reinforces Johannesburg’s standing as a gateway for global companies seeking access to African capital and investors.
As the continent’s media and digital entertainment sectors continue to evolve, CANAL+’s presence on the JSE provides investors with exposure to a company positioned to benefit from some of the most compelling long-term growth trends in emerging markets.
For Standard Bank, the transaction represents another example of its ability to support strategic deals that deepen African capital markets, expand investor choice, and strengthen the continent’s financial infrastructure.
As global companies increasingly look to Africa for future growth opportunities, the successful CANAL+ listing demonstrates the growing role South African markets can play in connecting international capital with one of the world’s most dynamic economic frontiers.
