NMa clears acquisition Talpa and Radio 538 by RTL
The Netherlands Competition Authority (NMa) has approved the acquisition of the Vrije Radio Omroep Nederland B.V. (Radio 538) and specific television broadcasting activities of Talpa Media Holding B.V. (Talpa) by RTL Group Beheer B.V. (RTL). The NMa rules that the concentration will not create or strengthen a dominant position in the markets for free access television broadcasting, television advertising or for the acquisition of content for free access television broadcasts. As RTL did not employ radio broadcasting activities prior to the concentration, the NMa has not had cause to investigate these activities.
The concentration does not substantially alter market relations in the markets for free access television or television advertising. The addition of Talpa to RTL's market share is relatively limited. Furthermore, two other large players remain: the Nederlandse Publieke Omroep (NPO) and SBS. The majority of advertisers interviewed by the NMa do not expect the concentration to have any significant effects and indicate that the number of alternatives to RTL remains sufficient.
The NMa also rules that the concentration will not create or strengthen a dominant position in the market for content acquisition. RTL will not gain a unique position for acquiring broadcasting programmes as a result of the concentration. Following the concentration, other television broadcasting companies will remain able to acquire attractive content. This also holds for the broadcasting rights of the Eredivisie (Dutch premier league) which RTL will take over from Talpa. All broadcasting rights of the Eredivisie, including those currently held by RTL, will again be put out for tender by Eredivisie C.V. at the end of the year as part of public procurement procedures.