Canal Plus, the biggest shareholder, earlier this month offered to buy the rest of the company.

It held a 31.67% stake at the time which rose to 35.01% shortly afterwards, topping a 35% threshold where a mandatory offer is required.

Its offer of $5.48 per share was rejected by the board of MultiChoice, saying it significantly undervalued the group.

"The panel rules that Canal+ must take immediate action to comply with the requirements of.. the (Companies) Act and the regulations by making a mandatory offer to the remaining shareholders of MultiChoice," the Takeover Regulations Panel said in its ruling.

Canal Plus had argued it was not required to make a mandatory offer as MultiChoice's memorandum of incorporation restricts foreign companies from holding more than 20% of the broadcaster's voting rights.

--Reuters--