"Game-Changing Merger": RTL Deutschland Snags Sky Deutschland
German broadcaster RTL Deutschland buys Sky Deutschland
In an epic move, RTL Deutschland is about to acquire Sky Deutschland. According to RTL Deutschland CEO Stephan Schmitter, this merger will birth a powerhouse streaming and TV platform.
RTL Deutschland is about to take over Sky Deutschland, as announced by RTL. The combination of RTL Deutschland and Sky Deutschland's streaming service WOW will offer an unparalleled assortment of entertainment, sports, and news content across streaming, free TV, and pay TV, serving approximately 11.5 million paying subscribers.
The deal comes with a price tag of 150 million euros, along with a variable component that could max out at 377 million euros in the ensuing years, contingent on RTL Group's stock performance.
Business Insights: The acquisition serves as a lightning strike for RTL, as stated by Stephan Schmitter, CEO of RTL Deutschland. "Grabbing Sky Deutschland is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for RTL," he says. By combining two major European media juggernauts, RTL aims to create a leading streaming and TV platform.
The match made in media heaven is perfect – RTL's forte lies in big shows, sports highlights, independent journalism, and popular reality formats, while Sky is adored for its Bundesliga and Formula 1 coverage, and globally acclaimed films and series.
With RTL+, Sky, and WOW under one roof, RTL Deutschland and Sky Deutschland stand toe-to-toe with the largest US streaming services in terms of paying subscribers and streaming revenues.
However, the deal is still awaiting the green light from competition and media concentration authorities, anticipated in the coming year. In the deal, RTL Group will acquire Sky's operations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, along with WOW's streaming brand.
By the Numbers:- 11.5 Million: Estimated combined total of paying subscribers- €150 Million: Initial purchase price for Sky Deutschland- €377 Million: Potential variable component (maximum) over the next few years
Sources: ntv.de, jga
** terms:**- RTL- RTLplus- Sky- Streaming- TV
The proposed acquisition of Sky Deutschland by RTL Deutschland, dubbed as a game-changer, will create a powerful streaming and TV platform that may develop a comprehensive community policy to streamline operations and cater to the merged entity's 11.5 million paying subscribers. To finance this business move, RTL Group will initially pay €150 million for Sky Deutschland, with a potential variable component of up to €377 million dependent on the RTL Group's stock performance.
