• NLD ACM informed that more investigation is needed into the takeover of RTL by DPG.
• Follows NLD ACM January 2023 rejection of RTL takeover of Talpa.

Main Concerns

• The acquisition would create a media company with a wide range of television, video streaming, radio, newspapers and online news which may affect the news offering.
• DPG publishes various daily newspapers, magazines and provides general online news including NU.nl; it is also active on the Dutch radio market with two national channels.
• RTL has several commercial television channels, offers video streaming services, of which Videoland is the most important and provides online news via rtl.nl and the app.
• Via the merger, DPG acquires a stronger position as a provider of paid and unpaid general news, online and offline and could be able to reduce quality and accessibility.
• This could lead to a reduction in size, quality, diversity of the general news offering.
• DPG could be able to offer a broader advertising package to advertisers thanks to its stronger position, partly due to the large amount of data it has about its users.
• This could prohibit other media companies to compete sufficiently in advertising.
• DPG and RTL must now indicate whether they want to continue with the takeover.
• If so, apply for acquisition license; NLD ACM will conduct an in-depth investigation.