The European Commission has unconditionally approved RTL Group’s acquisition of Sky Deutschland, concluding that the deal raises no competition concerns and paving the way for completion on 1 June 2026.
The decision follows an in-depth review of the impact on key audiovisual markets, including content acquisition, wholesale and retail TV services and advertising. The Commission said the transaction would “not significantly reduce competition”, noting that RTL and Sky have different strengths in entertainment and sports, are not close competitors in several segments and continue to face strong pressure from global streaming platforms.
“The European audiovisual markets are undergoing significant changes. By combining their capabilities, RTL and Sky DACH will be better equipped to compete in this market, which is rapidly changing. We looked carefully at this deal, and ultimately found no evidence that this acquisition would raise any competition concerns,” said Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President of the EU Commission for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition. “The transaction will allow well-established European media groups to consolidate their position at a time when the industry is transforming, and they are facing increasing pressure from global streaming platforms.”
The watchdog also assessed potential buyer power in content markets and found sufficient alternative purchasers and suppliers, as well as low barriers to entry. In advertising, it concluded the deal would only marginally strengthen RTL’s position, with customers able to switch easily and competition intensifying due to shifting viewing towards streaming services. Commitments offered by RTL during the process were ultimately deemed unnecessary.
First announced in June 2025, the transaction will see RTL fully acquire Sky’s operations in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH), alongside related customer relationships in Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and South Tyrol, from parent company Comcast. The purchase price consists of €150 million in cash plus a variable component of up to €377 million linked to RTL’s share price.
Once completed, the combined business will reach around 12.3 million paying subscribers across RTL+ and Sky’s platforms, including Sky’s streaming service WOW, marking one of the most significant national media consolidations in Europe to date. The companies expect €250 million in annual synergies within three years, primarily from cost savings.
RTL has positioned the deal as a strategic move to scale its subscription business and reduce reliance on the structurally declining linear TV advertising market. The group has been expanding RTL+ with bundled offers and partnerships, aiming to better compete with global streaming players and strengthen its position in the German-speaking market.
“The approval is a milestone for RTL Group and will strengthen the competitiveness of European media companies,” said Thomas Rabe, CEO of RTL Group. “Combining RTL and Sky Deutschland will enhance our ability to invest in content, technology and talent.”
According to Dana Strong, CEO of Sky Group, the decision marks “an important step” for the transaction, highlighting Sky Deutschland’s recent operational progress and record customer base. “The combination with RTL creates new opportunities to accelerate growth and strengthen the business for the long term,” she said.
Following completion, Stephan Schmitter, CEO of RTL Deutschland, will lead the combined company, which will operate from Cologne and Munich. He said the approval “sends a strong signal for the future of the German-speaking media market”, adding that the enlarged group aims to offer a broad mix of news, entertainment and live sports across all distribution channels.
The merger brings together Sky Deutschland’s premium sports rights portfolio – including Bundesliga, DFB Cup, Premier League and Formula 1 – with RTL’s entertainment and news brands, uniting free-to-air, pay-TV and streaming under one roof. It also combines two of Germany’s fastest-growing streaming services in recent years, RTL+ and WOW.
Under a separate trademark license agreement, RTL will have the right to use the Sky brand in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and South Tyrol. RTL will acquire Sky Deutschland’s streaming brand WOW as part of the transaction.
The Commission’s clearance underscores a broader policy view in Brussels that greater scale may be necessary for European broadcasters to compete with global platforms, as consolidation accelerates across national media markets.
