DPG Media cleared to take over RTL Nederland
DPG Media has received approval from the Dutch competition authority ACM to take over RTL Nederland. The 1.1 billion EUR deal, first announced in December 2023, will allow the Belgian media group to expand into Dutch television and streaming with RTL and Videoland. Until now, DPG has operated in the Netherlands with print, radio and online brands, including AD, de Volkskrant, NU.nl and Qmusic.
Safeguarding media plurality
The ACM granted approval after a thorough investigation while imposing strict conditions to safeguard media plurality. “A pluralistic news service plays a crucial role in our democracy,” said ACM CEO Martijn Snoep. “The takeover must not lead to a reduction in plurality. News users must continue to choose from various independent news sources.”
To that end, RTL Nieuws and NU.nl have to be placed in independent foundations with their own directors, who will oversee key decisions, including the appointment of the editor-in-chief, changes to the outlets' mission and identity and any move to halt publication or sell the outlets.
DPG is also prohibited from placing paywalls on RTL Nieuws or NU.nl, ensuring the continued availability of free news. The editorial teams must remain separate, with no sharing of content or data. Editorial statutes across DPG’s titles will be tightened to protect journalistic independence.
The ACM found no negative impact on the working conditions of journalists or on the advertising market. “There will continue to be several alternatives for journalists in addition to DPG and RTL,” the authority noted.
DPG welcomes approval
DPG CEO Erik Roddenhof welcomed the decision. “I’ve never experienced such an extensive and thorough investigation,” he said. “Now that the takeover has been approved, we can work on our ambition to continue the success of RTL Nederland. We will continue to make great home-grown programmes and series and further expand the streaming service Videoland. We understand the concerns of the ACM regarding the news provision and are pleased that we have been able to allay them.”
The acquisition will be finalised on 1 July. The combined group will have an annual turnover of approximately 2.4 billion EUR. In 2024, DPG Media reported revenue of 1.73 billion EUR and EBITDA of 348 million EUR. RTL Nederland recorded 634 million EUR in revenue and adjusted EBITA of 166 million EUR.
© PHOTO PETER HILZ / ANP / HOLLANDSE HOOGTE
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