FIC’s Acquisition of EMM Approved by Dutch Competition Authority

AMSTERDAM: Following the approval of the Dutch Competition Authority, FOX International Channels has officially taken on ownership of a 51-percent stake in the football rights holder Eredivisie Media & Marketing CV (EMM).

EMM is the media company established by the 18 clubs of the Dutch Premier League (Eredivisie), Endemol and KNVB (Dutch National Football Association) and is responsible for exploiting the collective media and sponsorship rights on behalf of Eredivisie. The long-term partnership between FIC and EMM has now been formally firmed up, as the Competition Authority has given its approval.

Hernan Lopez, the president and CEO of FOX International Channels, said, "We are looking forward to working with Eredivisie, KNVB and Endemol and leveraging the respective strengths of our partners to further develop the interests of the Dutch Premier Football League."

Frank Carrere, the senior VP and head of corporate development for FOX International Channels, added, "With our investments in Latin America, Asia, Africa and now Europe, FIC has secured a leadership position in key TV markets with substantial growth potential while furthering News Corporation’s commitment to delivering an unsurpassed sports viewing experience to consumers across the globe.”

Frank Rutten and Alex Tielbeke, co-managing directors of EMM, commented, “This is a tremendous opportunity for the Dutch clubs and our fans. Having a powerful partner like FIC join us, demonstrates great confidence in the organization and appreciation for what we have achieved to date. Together, we will build on our past success with ‘Eredivisie Live’ and will build an even stronger foundation for Dutch football going forward.”