Dutch Client Watchdog Investigates DPG Media Takeover of RTL Nederland

It’s nonetheless removed from sure whether or not RTL Nederland might be taken over by the Flemish media large DPG. The Dutch Client and Markets Authority (ACM) needs to do extra analysis on the takeover. The watchdog is worried that the brand new media firm shouldn’t be getting too large.

On the finish of final yr, DPG Media introduced that it was 1.1 billion euros needs to resign to accumulate RTL Nederland. The Belgian DPG is the writer of the every day newspapers AD and de Volkskrant, in addition to the information web site NU.nl. DPG additionally owns radio stations Qmusic, Joe and magazines equivalent to Libelle and Donald Duck.

With the acquisition, the group would purchase a number of TV channels, the Videoland streaming service and the favored Buienradar app in a single fell swoop. The ACM fears that this can give DPG a monopoly place, permitting the corporate to overcharge advertisers and shoppers, for instance.

Suppliers, such because the ANP information service, may be put beneath cheaper price strain. The ACM can be involved concerning the place of journalists on the media large.

DPG and RTL mentioned in response that they nonetheless need to go forward with the takeover. They have to apply for permission for this, after which the ACM will start an in-depth investigation lasting 13 weeks. The Media Authority can be concerned on this. The ultimate resolution will then be made as as to whether the takeover can go forward or not.

Within the abstract settlement for a brand new cupboard between PVV, VVD, BBB and NSC that was introduced yesterday, particular point out was product of the state of affairs of the media world. It has been introduced that the ACM will probably be given “extra devices” to forestall the provision of stories on paper and on-line from lowering additional.

Greater than a yr in the past, one other takeover of RTL Nederland went via. Then the ACM accomplished one merge with Talpa. Even then, the watchdog was too involved concerning the new firm’s monopoly place.

Even then, the ACM mentioned an intensive investigation was wanted. RTL and Talpa’s proposals to divest a part of the promoting gross sales couldn’t change the ACM’s thoughts to forestall the eventual takeover.