The works councils of RTL Nederland and Talpa Network have given their backing to the proposed merger of the companies’ broadcasting and other media businesses.
Subsequently, the two have signed agreements to compete the merger, which still requires the approval of the relevant authorities.
RTL Nederland operates TV channels RTL4, RTL5, RTL7, RTL8, RTL-Z, and RTL Lounge, as well as the SVOD platform Videoland, which has over one million subscribers, and is the second largest SVOD platform in the country. Talpa Network consists of TV channels SBS6, Net 5, Veronica and SBS9, radiostations 538, Veronica and Radio 10, and the multimedia platform Linda for women.
Talpa will have a 30% stake in the merged company RTL Group will retain a 70% stake in its Dutch division.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2022.