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RTL to Buy Sky’s German Unit as It Bids to Challenge US Streaming Giants
- RTL Group agreed to acquire Comcast-owned Sky Deutschland for €150 million, creating a combined media business with 11.5 million paying subscribers.
- RTL pursued this deal to strengthen its position after regulatory setbacks in other European markets and to compete with global streaming platforms.
- The transaction includes Sky’s sports rights and streaming brand WOW and is subject to regulatory approval expected in 2026, with businesses operating independently until then.
- Thomas Rabe, head of RTL, described the transaction as a pivotal moment, noting anticipated annual synergies of €250 million and combined pro-forma revenues for 2024 reaching €4.6 billion.
- This acquisition marks RTL’s largest since 2000 and positions the group to better invest in content and technology against global tech competitors in European media markets.
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Sky wants to secure its supremacy and offer customers even more – is now the attack on the most sacred of DAZN?
RTL Group acquires Sky Deutschland for $175 million
The logos of RTL and Sky Deutschland. (Courtesy image) Comcast has finally found a buyer for its satellite-based pay TV service in Germany, with Luxembourg-based RTL Group agreeing to acquire Sky Deutschland for $175 million, the companies announced on Friday. As part of the transaction, RTL Group will also acquire Sky Deutschland’s pay TV business in neighboring countries Austria and Switzerland, which comprise the “DACH” business region, and R…
In an attempt to resist streaming platforms, the German media giant offers Sky Group activities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg. RTL Group shareholder Bertelsmann hopes to save 250 million euros a year after three years, creating synergies.
Berliner Morgenpost
tlz.deOverall, RTL could cost the Sky takeover several hundred million euros. What the deal could fail now.
With the deal, RTL wants to expand its position in entertainment, sports and news in the German-speaking video market.
RTL buys Sky Deutschland in deal to take on US streaming giants
BERLIN: European broadcaster RTL Group said on Friday it would buy Sky Deutschland, in a deal that combines Sky’s sports and streaming offerings with RTL’s news and entertainment brands to create a business with 11.5 million paying subscribers. © New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
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