RTL Group Takes Over Talpa’s Shares of Dutch Unit

LUXEMBOURG: RTL Group is exercising a put option for the remaining shares of RTL Nederland from John de Mol’s Talpa Media.

Following the put option, RTL Group will take over Talpa Media’s 26.3-percent shareholdings in RTL Nederland, in exchange for 100 percent of the shares in Radio 538. Talpa will also take over Radio 10 Gold and Slam FM from RTL Nederland. Talpa will reimburse RTL Nederland for the purchase price paid from the two stations, acquired in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

Earlier this week, RTL Group announced it would acquire the remaining 26-percent shareholding in the Croatian broadcasting operation RTL Hrvatska, which includes RTL Televizija and RTL 2.

Elmar Heggen, the chief financial officer and head of the corporate centre of RTL Group, commented: “Following last week’s decision of the Dutch competition authority, RTL Group has decided to exercise its previously agreed option now to get back the remaining shareholding in RTL Nederland, which is our third biggest family of TV channels and achieves outstanding ratings and results. At the same time we’re looking forward to continuing the proven co-operation with John de Mol’s Creative Unit in new ways.”