RTL Group plans to regroup its French radio operations into Groupe M6.
With a 48.26% shareholding, RTL Group is the controlling shareholder of the publicly listed French TV broadcaster Groupe M6. RTL Group’s board of directors and Groupe M6’s supervisory board unanimously approved the planned transaction. The transaction is, among others, subject to approval by the French media authority CSA (Conseil supérieur de l’Audiovisuel). Moreover, before signing the purchase agreement, RTL Radio (France) and Groupe M6 will also engage with their employees’ representatives through information and consultation procedures.
As part of the internal re-organisation, Groupe M6 plans to acquire 100% ownership of RTL Group’s French radio family (RTL, RTL 2, Fun Radio, advertising sales house IP France) for €216 million on a debt and cash-free basis. Following the transaction, Groupe M6 will combine a unique portfolio of TV channels, radio stations, digital services, content production/rights trading and diversification.
“The planned re-organisation will have no effect on the journalistic identity of the RTL radio stations and Groupe M6 TV channels. At the same time, the new Groupe M6 aims to attract the best journalistic, creative and on-air talent in France,” RTL said in a statement.
Guillaume de Posch and Anke Schäferkordt, Co-CEOs of RTL Group, commented: “RTL Radio in France has been the iconic cornerstone of RTL Group’s success story in commercial broadcasting across Europe. This transaction aims to open a new, very promising chapter for RTL Radio as convergence and consolidation continue to shape our industry – not only in North America, but also across our European footprint. We are reorganising our French TV and radio activities into one, fully integrated company which will definitely make us more competitive in the digital media world. Groupe M6 has a great track record of building and growing strong media brands, nurturing a culture of creative freedom and innovation. The combination of RTL Radio and M6 will be a force for plurality and creativity in the French media landscape.”
On the picture above: Christopher Balldelli, chairman of the management board of RTL Radio (France); Guillaume de Posch, Co-CEO of RTL Group and chairman of the supervisory board of Groupe M6; Nicolas de Tavernost, chairman of the executive board of Groupe M6 (Président du Directoire)
