Berlcusoni family firm is set to become largest free-to-air broadcaster in Europe
MediaForEurope (MFE) is set to become the continent’s largest free-to-air broadcaster after securing a stake of more than 75% in German giant ProSiebenSat.1.
The news follows a years-long chase for ProSiebenSat.1 – owner of numerous channels, streamer Joyn and Married at First Sight producer Seven.One Studios – by the Berlusconi family-backed MFE.
ProSiebenSat.1’s board had welcomed MFE’s improved takeover offer for shareholders in August, which valued the company at €1.8bn (£1.57bn), and MFE today said that offer had resulted in it securing a 75.61% stake.
Holding more than 75% of voting rights in ProSieben means that MFE will gain full access to its earnings under German market rules.
Czech investment firm PPF, which had been the second biggest shareholder in ProSieben, has already ceded its 15.7% stake to MFE.
The takeover is part of the latter’s strategy to create a pan-European operator - using its Mediaset outfits in Italy and Spain – to rival US-based streamers such as Netflix. It is set to claim total revenues of €6.8bn (£5.89bn), according to Enders Analysis.
Bert Habets, group chief exec at ProSiebenSat.1 Media, said: “MFE becoming our majority shareholder marks an important milestone for ProSiebenSat.1.
“Together, we cover five core European markets, with ProSiebenSat.1 being a leader in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and MFE in Italy and Spain, reaching a combined population of about 210 million people.
“In the coming weeks, we will work closely with MFE to identify the most promising opportunities for a deepened collaboration and align our vision for the future. I would also like to sincerely thank PPF for their commitment and valuable strategic contributions as a major shareholder over the past three years, which have helped to accelerate ProSiebenSat.1’s transformation.”
ProSiebenSat.1 said it remained focused “on driving the digital transformation of the entertainment business”, having toiled under a stagnant advertising market in Germany over recent years. The company reported improving figures in H1 this year, but also cut 6% of its workforce in May.
Habets added: “Building on the progress achieved in the first half of 2025, ProSiebenSat.1 is committed to further establishing Joyn as the leading advertising-financed streaming platform in the German-speaking region, continuing to drive significant, double-digit growth in reach and engagement.”
Settlement of the voluntary takeover offer is expected on 16 September.
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