Cologne/Munich, 27 June 2025 - RTL Deutschland is acquiring Sky Deutschland and its activities in Austria and Switzerland. RTL Group has concluded a binding agreement on the purchase and aims to create one of the largest streaming and TV platforms in Europe. With around 11.5 million paying customers, the new media alliance is positioning itself as the clear number three behind the major US streaming providers.
In addition to traditional television broadcasting (free TV and pay TV), streaming platforms will also be available in future. RTL+, Sky and WOW together under one roof. This combination should not only expand the offering, but also appeal to a much broader audience: While RTL+ primarily scores in the areas of reality TV, shows and journalism, Sky brings strong sports rights - such as the Bundesliga, Formula 1 or Premier League - as well as exclusive series and films to the joint portfolio.
Stephan SchmitterCEO of RTL Germany, speaks of a "unique opportunity" to unite two strong media brands. The aim is to create an attractive and comprehensive entertainment offering "from free to premium, from linear television to streaming". Barny Mills, CEO of Sky Deutschland, sees the merger as a "new chapter" for his company, which could tap into further growth potential as a result of the merger.
The deal also sets new economic standards: Together, RTL and Sky aim to generate around Investing 2.5 billion euros in content - in sports rights, shows, series and films, for example. Based on the current figures (2024), the combined company is expected to have a total of around Turnover of 4.6 billion euros of which around 45 per cent is generated through subscriptions.
The two companies will remain organisationally independent until the final completion of the takeover, which is expected in 2026 and is subject to approval by the competition authorities. Stephan Schmitter is to take over the management of the merged company in the long term. The Cologne (RTL) and Munich (Sky) sites will remain in place.
The purchase price amounts to 150 million euros in cash, plus a possible variable additional remuneration of up to 377 million eurosdepending on the performance of RTL's share price. In addition, RTL receives the right to use the "Sky" brand in the entire DACH region and the "WOW" streaming brand.
With this acquisition, RTL not only aims to strengthen its market position, but also to position itself as a European alternative to the dominant US platforms.