Belgian press group DPG Media and RTL Group have concluded an agreement on the planned acquisition of RTL Nederland by DPG Media. The acquisition is subject to the approval of the respective works councils and the Autoriteit Consument & Markt (Authority for Consumers and Markets), the body entrusted with ensuring fair competition between businesses and protecting consumer interests and
According to Erik Roddenhof, CEO of DFP Media, teaming up with RTL Nederland is crucial to remaining successful.
Christian Van Thillo, executive chairman of DPG Media, said RTL Nederland fits DPG Media’s strategy to produce locally made content. “In Belgium, we boast 35 years of successful television with VTM – consumers will continue to watch well-produced programs.”
Under the agreement, DPG Media and RTL Group agreed to maintain the RTL brand name, with DPG Media incorporating RTL Nederland and RTL Nieuws as new divisions under the DPG Media umbrella.
“We’ve always advocated consolidation is essential in the Dutch media industry. That’s why I’m enthusiastic about DPG Media taking this step with us. By joining forces, we create an even more complete media concern, investing in local innovative content and independent journalism,” added Sven Sauvé, CEO of RTL Nederland. “The continuation of the RTL brand name is a plus — it’s a strong brand embraced by the Dutch audience.”
New HQ and studios
This spring will see the opening of the Mediavaert building in Amsterdam, the new Dutch DPG Media headquarters. The 31,500 m² building will house offices, broadcast studios, meeting rooms, an event location, restaurants and a large rooftop terrace. The wood-hybrid building, Europe’s biggest, will provide space for 2000 workers of DPG Media’s publications.
“Flexibility, a healthy workspace, innovation and creativity were key in the design of the new offices,” explained Mark Willemsen, facility project manager with DPG Media, adding that sustainability was crucial in the development of the new HQ.
“Mediavaert will also become the home for the new Q-Music (NL) and Joe (NL) radio studios,” said Babet Verstappen, DPG Media’s director of corporate communication.
