TV channels including Sweden’s TV4 and Finland’s MTV are being sold to Schibsted Media after Telia Company announced plans to divest itself of its TV and media interests.
The Oslo-based publishing company behind VG and Aftenposten in Norway, Aftonbladet and Svenska Dagbladet in Sweden will pay SEK 6.55 billion for the business.
Telia acquired much of its broadcasting interests from Bonnier Broadcasting in December 2019 for SEK 9.2 billion. However, like AT&T and BT before it, Telia is now retracting to its traditional communications and distribution business.
As part of a multi-year partnership, Telia will continue to distribute TV4 and MTV’s content as part of its consumer TV offering.
Patrik Hofbauer, Telia Company President and CEO: “Our priority is to focus on what Telia does best – providing world-class connectivity on which millions of people rely every day – and this agreement clearly reflects that. We have an opportunity to secure a new home for TV & Media with a strategic long-term Nordic owner that can further develop the business while maintaining its editorial independence.”
The transaction is anticipated to close in Q3 2025 at the latest, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Siv Juvik Tveitnes, Schibsted Media CEO added: “Since Aftonbladet became part of Schibsted in 1996, we have been dedicated to Sweden, making this a truly historic day for us. As competition with global tech giants intensifies, building complete and nationally rooted media positions with scale and investment capacity is more important than ever to safeguard editorial independence. This agreement marks a significant step towards forming a leading Nordic media destination.”
In Sweden, the TV & Media business comprises the TV4 family of advertising-funded and pay-TV channels, the TV4 Play streaming service, and the Fotbollskanalen and Köket websites. The Finnish operations consist of MTV’s advertising-funded and pay-TV channels, alongside the MTV Katsomo streaming service. TV & Media currently has approximately 1,200 employees across the two countries.
