Competition watchdog approves Videoland takeover of Viaplay
The competition watchdog has approved the deal, which will give Videoland, part of DPG Media, Viaplay's Dutch sports broadcasting rights once the last formalities are completed.
The competition watchdog ACM has approved the takeover of Viaplay Nederland by Videoland, part of DPG Media. Once the last formalities are completed, Videoland will get Viaplay's Dutch sports broadcasting rights, including Formula 1 and Premier League football.
The ACM expects "no adverse consequences of the takeover for viewers, the purchase of sports rights and the sale of advertising space".
Viaplay is a relatively small player, the ACM says, so DPG Media's market share rises only slightly in every market it investigated.
DPG announced the deal this summer. It pays €142m for Viaplay's sports rights, programming and subscribers. The company called the purchase "a strategic step in the growth ambitions" of Videoland.
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ACM (Autoriteit Consument & Markt)
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, the independent regulator that enforces competition law and consumer protection rules. It also regulates sectors such as energy, telecoms, transport and postal services.
Videoland
Videoland is a Dutch streaming service (video on demand) run by DPG Media, offering series, films and TV programmes that viewers can watch on demand. It is a subscription platform, separate from the linear TV channels that DPG Media also operates. Its sport offering depends on the rights it holds, which can be bought, sold or transferred between streaming and broadcasting companies.