German media company Bauer Media Group is said to be interested in taking over French radio operator NRJ Group.
Talks have already been held with NRJ founder and main shareholder Jean-Paul Baudecroux, reports German media magazine new business with reference to industry speculation. The 71-year old holds around 80% of the shares in NRJ Group. A Bauer spokeswoman didn’t want to comment on the issue when asked by the magazine.
The purchase of NRJ Group by Bauer would be an absolutely realistic scenario, an industry insider told Broadband TV News, adding that Bauer Media Group plans acquisitions on the radio market in Europe and in particular Germany on a large scale following its achievement to become the market leader in the UK’s digital radio market among commercial broadcasters. The radio business of RTL Group could also be an acquisition target, according to the insider.
There have been rumours regarding a possible sale of NRJ Group several times in the past years. The French company is present in several markets with its ‘Energy’ stations including Germany. With more than 600 frequencies in 15 countries, ‘Energy’ considers itself as the largest international radio brand.
NRJ also operates a number of TV channels in France, NRJ 12, Chérie 25, NRJ Hits, and NRJ Paris, that are available on the country’s DTT network, as well as on other distribution platforms.
Bauer Media Group which is mainly known for its magazine business operates over 100 radio stations in the UK, Scandinavia, Poland and Slovakia. In its home town Hamburg, the company holds a stake in commercial broadcaster Radio Hamburg.
Bauer’s radio business reached a turnover of €320 million in 2015. NRJ Group achieved a turnover of €382 million in the same year.
