RTL Buys Sky for €150 Million: EU Commission Approves Takeover of Sky Deutschland

EU Commission approves RTL’s acquisition of Sky Germany for €150 million The European Commission has granted antitrust clearance for RTL Group to acquire Sky Deutschland in a deal valued at approximately €150 million, clearing the final regulatory hurdle for the transaction. The approval, announced on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, follows a standard review process under EU merger regulations. The Commission determined that the proposed acquisition would not significantly impede effective competition in the relevant markets, particularly in pay television and broadband services across Germany. RTL Group, a major European broadcaster headquartered in Luxembourg, will integrate Sky Deutschland’s satellite and streaming operations into its existing media portfolio. Sky Deutschland, a subsidiary of Comcast’s Sky Group, provides premium television content, including sports, movies, and entertainment channels, to millions of households in Germany. The decision marks a significant consolidation in the German pay-TV landscape, combining RTL’s free-to-air television strengths with Sky’s subscription-based offerings. Industry analysts note the move reflects broader trends of media convergence as traditional broadcasters seek to expand their digital and on-demand capabilities amid shifting consumer viewing habits. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed in the regulatory filing, multiple German business outlets reported the €150 million valuation based on preliminary market assessments. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including final corporate approvals and regulatory filings in other jurisdictions where required. The European Commission’s clearance allows RTL to proceed with integration planning, though full operational consolidation is expected to unfold over several months following the deal’s completion. Both companies have emphasized their commitment to maintaining service continuity for existing customers during the transition period.