ACM Approves Acquisition of RTL Nederland by DPG Media
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has announced its approval of the acquisition of RTL Nederland by DPG Media. The acquisition, originally announced in December 2023, can now be finalised with the ACM’s approval. As of 1 July, RTL Nederland will officially become part of DPG Media.
This acquisition marks a significant expansion for DPG Media. The company has long been active in the television and streaming markets in Belgium, and this move represents its first venture into these sectors in the Netherlands. Through this acquisition, DPG Media aims to invest further in the growth and digital transformation of RTL Nederland - enabling the company to respond to changing viewing habits and increased competition from international streaming platforms.
Erik Roddenhof, CEO of DPG Media, expressed his satisfaction that, a year and a half after the initial announcement, the moment has finally arrived: “Now that the acquisition has been approved, we can begin working towards our ambition of securing the continued success of RTL Nederland. We will continue to produce high-quality, home-grown programmes and series and further develop the Videoland streaming service. The teams at RTL Nederland and DPG Media are eager to shape this future together.”
The ACM conducted an extensive and thorough investigation. Roddenhof noted: “No stone was left unturned and every cupboard was opened. I have never been through such a large and in-depth review. It is understandable that the impact of a major media company is scrutinised so carefully. We recognise the ACM’s concerns regarding news provision and are pleased to have been able to address them. I am confident that we can preserve—and even further develop—a pluralistic media landscape in the Netherlands for the future.”
DPG Media has entered into agreements with the ACM to further strengthen the accessibility, plurality, and independence of its news brands. For example, the continued free online availability of RTL Nieuws and NU.nl is now guaranteed. Two new foundations will be established for RTL Nieuws and NU.nl to oversee compliance with these agreements. It has also been agreed that the editorial statutes of all news titles will be updated to better reflect the demands of the present day.
Roddenhof added: “DPG Media has always provided a solid home for independent news titles. Together with editorial teams, we have successfully transformed them into multimedia news brands. These agreements confirm our ongoing commitment to this mission. They underline the importance of free access to independent news for all. We stand for quality journalism and fully acknowledge its importance to our society—now more than ever.”
Following the completion of the acquisition, Sven Sauvé, CEO of RTL Nederland, will join DPG Media’s Executive Committee. Sauvé commented: “This is a major milestone for RTL. Joining forces with DPG Media is the best way to realise our shared ambitions and dreams—especially in a market increasingly dominated by international tech players. I have always believed in the need for a strong local player that puts the Netherlands first. This collaboration gives us the power to continue innovating and investing in our streaming services, in the best local storytelling, and in our journalistic organisation. I would like to thank DPG Media for its vision, RTL Group for the wonderful cooperation, and my own colleagues for their tireless dedication.”
Christian Van Thillo, Executive Chairman of DPG Media, expressed his pride in the acquisition of such a successful and innovative television company: “With RTL Nederland, VTM and RTL Belgium, we now have the scale and expertise required to remain sustainably successful in a fundamentally transforming market. Viewers love well-made local television, and that’s exactly where our strengths lie. I am very much looking forward to this new chapter.”