Swiss media group Tamedia can go ahead with its plan to acquire the majority stake in streaming provider Zattoo.
The Federal German Cartel Office and the Federal Swiss Competition Commission (Weko) granted approval. Tamedia can thus increase its shareholding from 31% to over 50%. The company presented the project in August 2018.
When it entered Zattoo as a stakeholder in September 2015, Tamedia secured the option to gradually take over the company by 2021.
In addition to the TV streaming portal for consumers, Zattoo also operates white label platforms for cable and IPTV operators as a B2B service provider, including 1&1, Salt and Hotwire Communications.
According to Zattoo, it increased its turnover in 2018 by 30% and intends to continue its growth course. The company recently took over the B2C business of its competitor Magine TV in Germany.
UPDATE, April 5, 2019 – Following the takeover of the majority interest, Tamedia will hold slightly more than 50% of the shares, a Zattoo spokeswoman told Broadband TV News. Zattoo founder Bea Knecht remains the second largest stakeholder with the remaining shares being held by private investors.
