The European media giant, RTL Group, has announced a deal to sell its Eredivisie matches rights, RTL Nederland, to DPG Media. The agreement is valued at €1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) and will involve a strategic technological partnership between the two companies.
As part of the deal, both companies will collaborate on ad sales and content creation. This partnership aims to leverage their combined strengths in technology and content production for mutual benefit.
Thomas Rabe, RTL Group’s chief executive, said:
“For several years, we have consistently said that market consolidation in the European TV industry is necessary to compete with the global tech giants. After our in-country consolidation strategy was blocked by the competition authorities in January 2023, the sale to DPG Media is the best strategic option for RTL Nederland and all its stakeholders.
“We are looking forward to the strategic partnership with DPG Media, working closely together on European solutions in advertising and streaming technology, international advertising sales, and joint content development.”
Post-deal closure, the RTL broadcasters in Germany, France, and Hungary will have first rights to any program developed by RTL Nederland for three years.
The deal is still subject to regulatory approvals as well as a consultation process before it can be finalized
This deal announcement comes nearly a year after an attempted merger between RTL in the Netherlands and rival Talpa Network fell through due to regulatory issues.
The Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) blocked this move stating that such a merger would create an entity too powerful within TV advertising distribution channels.
RTL currently holds free-to-air rights in the Netherlands for European soccer’s UEFA Champions League and Europa League matches from 2021-22 through 2023-24 cycle. The sale of its channels does not affect these rights.
This sale represents significant changes within Europe's media landscape with potential impacts on sports broadcasting rights among other areas.
