RTL Group Merges Divimove & UFA X

RTL Group is combining its multiplatform network Divimove and digital storytelling label UFA X.

Effective January 1, the two units will be merged into one integrated outfit for the production, aggregation and monetization of short-form video content in Europe.

The combination follows the recent announcement that RTL Group has upped its shareholding in Divimove to 100 percent as of December 1. Tobias Schiwek, currently co-managing director of UFA X and chief digital officer of UFA, will become the new CEO of Divimove.

Bert Habets, CEO of RTL Group, said: “The consumption of short-form video continues to grow rapidly—and so do advertising and branded content revenues in the social media ecosystem. As part of our Total Video 2.0 strategy, we will bundle our MPN businesses—StyleHaul, Divimove, United Screens—to build a strong and profitable digital video group led by Sean Atkins. This new group will operate on a global scale to reach and entertain young audiences. The combination of Divimove and UFA X is an important element of this strategy as it will significantly enhance the creative power of our MPN businesses and the variety of our offers to advertisers in the European markets.”

Nico Hofmann, CEO of UFA, added: “The strategic and entrepreneurial combination of UFA X and Divimove is consistent and meaningful. With their production know-how, coupled with their experience in the creative network of UFA, the employees of UFA X will be able to effectively support the digital business of Divimove. I am truly proud that UFA’s commitment to the digital transformation of our industry is now gaining new momentum in a larger group.”

Schiwek commented: “Through Brandboost, Divimove has recently and successfully built up storytelling for brands—a segment in which UFA X gained significant market share in the past. After the initial conversations with the team at Divimove, it became very clear that this combination makes us even stronger. We have everything we need to continue our success in the realm of online video: the reach and creative diversity of Divimove as well as UFA X’s exceptional expertise in storytelling. I am delighted that with both these extraordinary teams we can offer a unique value chain in production and marketing—not only to brands but also to TV channels, platforms and NGOs.”