The Belgian media company DPG Media wants to acquire RTL Netherlands for 1.1 billion euros. Both companies announced this on Friday. According to Erik Roddenhof, CEO of DPG Media, “companies can strengthen each other with knowledge, skills and investments.” DPG Media plans to add RTL Nederland and RTL Nieuws under the leadership of Sven Sauvé as a new division to DPG Media.
Roddenhof told the ANP news agency that joining forces is necessary to remain successful: “We can strengthen each other with knowledge, skills and investments.”
Interest no surprise
DPG Media’s interest in RTL Netherlands is no surprise. Two years ago, the Belgian media company already showed great interest in RTL Netherlands, but a takeover did not happen at the time. RTL Nederland was then in discussions with Talpa, but the takeover was rejected by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM).
The new proposed acquisition is now subject to approval by ACM and will be submitted to the relevant works councils for advice. If the regulator ACM approves the takeover, little will change for the time being. Sauvé remains at the head of RTL Nederland, he says that no jobs or channels will disappear.
DPG Media has agreed with RTL Group that the RTL name will be retained. DPG Media employs 6,000 people. RTL Nederland has 800 employees.
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