RTL Group Buys Majority Stake in StyleHaul

LUXEMBOURG/LOS ANGELES: RTL Group is acquiring a controlling stake in the online video network StyleHaul for $107 million.

The group is increasing its shareholding to 93.6 percent, up from 22.3 percent. RTL Group will then have the opportunity to acquire the remaining equity, which is owned by StyleHaul's management and employees. The move values the company at $151.4 million.

RTL Group will also invest $20 million into StyleHaul to fund the company's growth plan. StyleHaul currently generates around 900 million video views per month, making it the leading multichannel network on YouTube for fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Anke Schäferkordt and Guillaume de Posch, co-CEOs of RTL Group, commented: “The acquisition of StyleHaul is another major strategic step in developing RTL Group into a global powerhouse in the rapidly growing market for online video. StyleHaul has a first-class management team that built up the only multichannel network of scale with a clear focus on the fashion and beauty segment, and has a highly engaged audience—a very compelling proposition for major brand advertisers. StyleHaul is an excellent fit with our digital portfolio, complementing our recent technology-focused acquisitions BroadbandTV and SpotXchange. With its strong advertising sales team, impressive track record in producing web content and the synergy potential with RTL Group’s broadcasters and producers, StyleHaul has the ideal foundations for continued strong growth.”

Stephanie Horbaczewski, the founder and CEO of StyleHaul, added: “For the past two years the partnership between StyleHaul and RTL Group has played an integral role in our success and growth. We are thrilled to be deepening that relationship and play a significant role in their emergence as a leader in the digital landscape. We are very thankful for all the support we received from my co-founders Allen and Aaron DeBevoise and our other investors RezVen and Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments (BDMI). This opportunity allows the unwavering passion and dedication of the StyleHaul team and groundbreaking community of influencers to accelerate all aspects of our business and we are very excited about what we will accomplish together with RTL Group.”