Bertelsmann

RTL names Rabe as CEO after Habets quits

RTL Group has named its chairman Thomas Rabe as CEO following the unexpected resignation of Bert Habets. Rabe will take on the role in addition to his existing duties as chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann, RTL’s 71.5% majority shareholder. RTL said that Habets had decided to resign as CEO and leave the RTL board for […]

Bertelsmann made 70 investments globally in 2017

RTL Group’s parent company Bertelsmann made more than 70 investments worldwide in 2017 through its Bertelsmann Investments division. Its investments included a leading a US$20 million financing round in US-based video creation platform Wibbitz in October. Wibbitz offers software that lets news publishers convert text into videos by using artificial intelligence. Its other investments included […]

UK-based European channels face uncertainty after Brexit vote

UK-licensed European channels face a period of uncertainty after last night’s Brexit vote, according to industry sources. Hundreds of networks within the European Union are licensed out of the UK by communications regulator Ofcom. With UK voters opting to leave the EU, the status of these licences, and how the channels will ensure their licences […]

RTL’s BroadbandTV teams up with BMG for music

Multichannel network BroadbandTV is to partner with Bertelsmann stablemate music publisher BMG on an initiative to push the emerging artists to YouTube and digital audiences. The two firms have created Windfall, which they say is “a model set for the digital age, providing an end-to-end solution to find, develop, and service artists across all platforms”. […]

FremantleMedia exec moves to MCN StyleHaul

FremantleMedia veteran Olivier Delfosse has been named COO of StyleHaul, Fremantle’s multichannel network sister firm within the RTL Group. At Germany-based StyleHaul, he will work closely on developing the business with CEO and president Stephanie Horbaczewski, working out of LA. At FremantleMedia, Delfosse drove global digital initiatives and partnerships with the likes of YouTube and […]

Bertelsmann digital exec steps down

Bertelsmann digital executive Thomas Hesse has stepped down “to pursue new professional opportunities” in the digital business space. Hesse, who was credited as being “instrumental” in Bertelsmann’s digital transformation – including RTL Group’s online video success – was executive board member and president, corporate development and new businesses. Bertelsmann said that Hesse had resigned his […]

RTL Group raises €1.4 billion through secondary IPO

RTL Group’s owner Bertelsmann has raised €1.4 billion through a secondary public offering of shares in the European broadcaster. Following the secondary public offering of 25.5 million shares at €55.50, including a 2.3 million over-allotment, global media group Bertelsmann now holds 75.1% of RTL, which counts producer FremantleMedia and a slew of channels across Europe in […]

RTL Group provides update ahead of Frankfurt listing

RTL Group has said its first quarter EBITA for the year is expected to increase by a mid-to-high single digit percentage year-on-year. In a trading update ahead of a listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, the media group said that the German TV ad market was up by low single digits in the first quarter […]

Bertelsmann confirms RTL stake sale

German publishing company Bertelsmann has confirmed that it plans to reduce its holding in broadcaster RTL Group, but maintain a majority stake of “at least 75%.” Following reports last month, Bertelsmann confirmed that it would complete the move by way of a “secondary public offering,” resulting in a significant increase in RTL Group shares. Shares […]

Bertelsmann reportedly planning to float part of RTL stake

German publishing company Bertelsmann is preparing to sell part of its stake in broadcaster RTL Group and may take the first steps towards a placement on the public markets early next month, according to Reuters. Reuters, citing two people familiar with the matter, has reported that Bertelsmann is planning to cut its 92.3% stake in […]