Belgian operator to acquire streamer Videoland and networks including RTL4
Fresh from its deal to acquire Sky Deutschland earlier today, Germany’s RTL Group has now secured regulatory approval for the €1.1bn sale of its Netherlands-based operations to Belgium’s DPG Media.
RTL Nederlands and DPG had agreed the deal back in December 2023, which had initially been expected to close last year.
Local regulators wanted a closer look, however, a process that has now concluded allowing the takeover to take place. The deal is expected to formally close 1 July.
Dutch regulator ACM applied conditions to its approval, including the creation of bodies to protect independent journalism.
Belgium’s DPG owns Dutch newspapers and websites including Dagblad and NU.nl, while RTL Nederlands is home to major commercial networks such as RTL4 and news operation RTL Nieuws.
It is also parent to popular local streaming service Videoland, which greenlit Safe Harbor last year, and networks including RTL5.
A €5 dividend per RTL share will be paid in May 2026 as part of the German-based company’s full year results.
The companies have also struck a strategic partnership pact, providing first-look rights to new shows developed by RTL Nederland and service agreements across tech and ad sales functions.
Thomas Rabe, RTL Group chief exec, said: “After a long review by the authority, the sale provides RTL Nederland and its stakeholders with clarity and the best path forward.”
Echoing his comments around RTL Group’s acquisition of Sky Deutschland, Rabe added that the RTL Nederlands deal would allow DPG “to strengthen its position in the Netherlands to better compete with the global tech giants, and we are looking forward to our strategic partnership with DPG Media.”
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