Turkish media group, Acunmedya, has recently made a significant move in the sports broadcasting industry by acquiring a 50% stake in German multi-channel free-to-air (FTA) network Sport1. The deal, worth €30 million ($32.5 million), was confirmed by Highlight Communications, the parent company of Sport1.
The acquisition was first reported by German media and later confirmed by Highlight Communications through an official statement. This strategic partnership will involve comprehensive content collaboration between both parties. As part of this collaboration, programs produced by Acunmedya will now find a home on German soil via Sport1’s channels.
Highlight Communications had announced last June that it was considering either a full or partial sale of Sport1. This decision came alongside major restructuring within the network which saw five "independent profit centers" being created to streamline operations and increase profitability.
However, the completion of this agreement is still subject to approval from media and anti-trust regulators.
Sport1 has gone through big structural change in recent times
In addition to structural changes within the organization, there were also significant shifts at executive level at Sport1 last year. Former Chief Executive Olaf Schröder left his position with immediate effect and was replaced by Robin Seckler and Matthias Kirschenhofer as co-chief executives.
Acun Ilicali, Acunmedya Group’s founder and owner, said:
“We are very excited about our partnership with Highlight Group with which we share the same vision and passion for sports and entertainment. We hope to create a success story together by delivering inspiring innovative programs to our audiences in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.”
Bernhard Burgener, Chair of the Supervisory Board at Sport1 Medien said:
“With Acunmedya Group, our company has gained an outstanding strategic investor as a partner. I have been observing Acun Ilicali’s impressive entrepreneurial development for a very long time and am firmly convinced that we can expand Sport1 and make it more successful together with him.”
Sport1’s football portfolio now includes Ligue 1, and DFB Pokal Cup
Sport1 is renowned for its coverage of top-tier sports events across various disciplines including soccer’s men’s DFB Pokal cup competition and French soccer’s top-tier Ligue 1 matches. It also provides premium live action from tennis, ice hockey, darts, motorsport, and basketball games among others.
This acquisition could potentially enhance these offerings further with new content from Acunmedya's portfolio making its way into German households via Sport1's channels.
This acquisition by Acunmedya is a significant development in the sports broadcasting industry. It not only marks the expansion of the Turkish media group into Germany but also promises to bring fresh content to German sports fans and betting enthusiasts. However, it remains to be seen how this deal will pan out once it receives regulatory approval.
