UK pay-television broadcaster BSkyB has said it will own 87.45 per cent of Sky Deutschland once its takeover of the German pay-television broadcaster closes.
The development comes after more Sky Deutschland minority investors than expected signed up to the offer.
BSkyB said last month that the combination of the acceptances received during the initial acceptance period and the acquisition of the 57.4 per cent stake held by media company 21st Century Fox would result in it acquiring a minimum of 68.79 per cent of Sky Deutschland.
BSkyB issued the revised position today (Thursday) after the additional acceptance period of the public takeover offer to the shareholders of Sky Deutschland expired on November 3.
In July, BSkyB announced a deal to acquire 21st Century Fox’s 100-per-cent stake in Sky Italia and 57.4-per-cent interest in Sky Deutschland, bringing together the leading pay-television businesses in three of Europe’s four biggest markets.
Under stock market rules, BSkyB extended its €6.75 ($8.5) per share offer for the German business to other shareholders.
The settlement of the takeover offer is expected to occur on November 12.