RTL CEO doesn't rule out closer ties with Pro7 in mid term

RTL SA

06/08/2021 08:11

BERLIN, Aug 6 (Reuters) - European broadcaster RTL  RRTL.DE 
said on Friday it was possible that it would get closer to
competitor ProSiebenSat.1 Media  PSMGn.DE  over time, but ruled
out a merger in the near term as it executes on a string of
deals.
    "In the next two or three years I would not rule out that we
can get closer to ProSieben," RTL Chief Executive Thomas Rabe
told reporters.
    Rabe added that RTL, a unit of German publisher Bertelsmann 
 BTGGg.F , would need first to execute on current deals,
including agreed mergers to create national television champions
in France and the Netherlands.
    Both are subject to the antitrust approval, and should that
be forthcoming it would set an important precedent for a
possible TV tie-up in Germany, he said.

 (Reporting by Douglas, editing by Kirsti Knolle)
 ((douglas.busvine@tr.com; +49 30 220 133 562;))