Diversity of opinion poses no threat according to the KEK's perspective
RTL Acquires Sky Germany: Creating a European Media Giant
In a significant move for the European media landscape, the RTL Group has officially taken over Sky Germany. The deal, worth an initial 150 million euros, was announced at the end of June 2025, with the parties signing a binding agreement.
The RTL Group's new acquisition includes Sky Germany and its subsidiary NBC Universal Global Networks Germany. This move aims to create a formidable European media powerhouse, as stated by Stephan Schmitter, CEO of RTL Germany.
According to the Media State Treaty and the Commission for the Investigation of Concentration in the Media (KEK), the combined viewer market share of RTL, Sky, and NBCUniversal Germany's programs stands at 18.2 percent. However, the exact combined viewer market share of the newly expanded RTL, Sky, and NBCUniversal Germany's programs has not been specified in the article.
The KEK has pointed out that the takeover of Sky by RTL further strengthens the advertising market duopoly of RTL's Ad Alliance and Seven.One Media (ProSiebenSat.1). However, the examination of the impact of RTL's takeover of Sky on the advertising market is not within the purview of the KEK. Instead, the EU Commission will address these consequences.
The EU Commission's competition law review regarding RTL's takeover of Sky is expected next year. The results of this review will provide insights into the potential impact on the advertising market.
The goal of this deal is not just to create a powerful media entity but also to establish a counterbalance to large US tech and streaming platforms.
Further payments of up to 377 million euros may be due to the current Sky owner, US media giant Comcast, depending on the development of RTL Group's share price.
The takeover of Sky by RTL does not fall under the purview of the KEK for examination. The examination of potential dominance in linear programming, as considered by the Media State Treaty with a viewer share of 30 percent, is also beyond the scope of this article.
As the dust settles on this significant acquisition, the European media landscape continues to evolve, with RTL and Sky poised to play a crucial role in shaping its future. The results of the EU Commission's competition law review next year will provide valuable insights into the implications of this deal.
