RTL Group has confirmed it is exercising the put option relating to the 26.3% of RTL Nederland currently held by John de Mol’s Talpa Media Holding.
In return Talpa will take full control of Radio 538, as well as taking over Radio 10 Gold and Slam FM from RTL Nederland. The stations were acquired by RTL in 2010 and 2011. Talpa will reimburse RTL Nederland for the price paid.
Elmar Heggen, chief financial officer and head of the corporate centre at RTL Group said: “Following last week’s decision of the Dutch competition authority, RTL Group has decided to exercise its previously agreed option now to get back the remaining shareholding in RTL Nederland, which is our third biggest family of TV channels and achieves outstanding ratings and results. At the same time we’re looking forward to continuing the proven co-operation with John de Mol’s Creative Unit in new ways.”
Earlier this week the Dutch competition authority gave Talpa three years to sell its holding in RTL Nederland in the wake of its acquisition of SBS Netherlands with Sanoma.
