RTL wins EU approval for Sky Deutschland deal

RTL Group said it expects to close the transaction on 1 June 2026.

The deal brings together two of the most recognisable TV brands in the German speaking market with around 12.3 million paying subscribers.

The transaction combines Sky Deutschland’s premium sports rights – including Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Premier League and Formula 1 – with RTL’s entertainment and news brands across RTL+, free-to-air, and pay TV. It also unites two streamers in the German market: RTL+ and Wow.

RTL Group described the deal as the “first major in-country combination in the European TV industry” and said it expects €250m in annual synergies within three years of closing the deal.

RTL Group announced it planned to acquire Sky Deutschland in June 2025.

Thomas Rabe, CEO of RTL Group, said: “We welcome the European Commission’s approval of the acquisition of Sky Deutschland. This is a milestone for RTL Group and will strengthen the competitiveness of European media companies, in line with the European Commission’s goal to reinforce industrial sovereignty.

“Combining RTL and Sky Deutschland will enhance our ability to invest in content, technology, and talent in Germany and across Europe. RTL Group believes that in-country combinations are necessary to compete with global platforms in the long term. The acquisition of Sky Deutschland is a major first step in this direction. We now look forward to working with the Sky Deutschland teams to realise the full potential of the combined business.”

Dana Strong, CEO of Sky Group, added: “We welcome the European Commission’s approval, which marks an important step in this transaction. Sky Deutschland has made significant progress over the past three years, delivering strong operational performance and reaching a record number of customers. Building on that momentum, the combination with RTL creates new opportunities to accelerate growth and strengthen the business for the long term. I would like to thank Barny Mills and the entire Sky Deutschland team for their outstanding work.”

The German government plans to introduce investment obligations that require TV broadcasters and streamers to invest at least 8% of their German revenues into German-language and European productions. Discover more here.