RTL Deutschland is pressing ahead with the planned takeover of Sky Germany and has now officially submitted the project to the EU Commission. The Group's aim is to finalise the transaction by the summer. In order to facilitate the antitrust review and avoid possible delays, the RTL Germany is prepared to make concessions, according to a Reuters report.

The possible outsourcing of advertising marketing to external third parties is therefore at the centre of the considerations. This area is considered particularly sensitive by the competition authorities, as it could potentially concentrate market share and influence in the advertising market. Appropriate measures could help to dispel the concerns of the EU Commission and speed up the approval of the takeover.

The EU Commission has set a deadline of 8 April for the first review phase. This period could be extended by a few more working days due to the ongoing proceedings. According to people familiar with the proceedings, it is possible that RTL will receive clearance after the preliminary review has been completed - possibly subject to conditions.

The takeover would significantly change the German media market, as RTL and Sky, two major providers from the free TV, pay TV and streaming sectors, would move closer together. In addition to economic effects, the main focus is on the question of how the merger will affect competition, marketing structures and content in the film and series sector.