RTL Group could shortly leave the Portuguese market. According to reports in the German press, the Bertelsmann company has received an offer of €206 million from Prisa to buy out its share in Media Capital. The Spanish media group already holds a stake in Media Capital. A spokesman for RTL said that a deal was not a forgone conclusion and the group was keeping its options open.
Media Capital’s TVI was the market leader in Portugal in 2006 for the second year in a row, claiming an all-day audience share of 34.8%. SIC, its closest rival, accounted for 30.4% and the public broadcaster’s first channel RTP1 28.5%.
Although it would lose face by pulling out of the Portuguese market, following its withdrawal from Poland and Turkey, the offer from Prisa would represent a near doubling of the group’s original investment. It is likely the funds would be used to further grow interest in Eastern Europe and the UK. (JC/CD)
RTL is better Than Prisa