Regulator approves Talpa’s SBS takeover

The Dutch competition authority, Autoriteit Consument & Markt, has approved the takeover of commercial broadcaster SBS by Talpa Holding.

Talpa Holding has acquired a 67-per-cent stake in SBS from majority shareholder Sanoma Media. The deal grants Talpa full ownership of the SBS6, NET5, Veronica and SBS9 television stations.

Talpa’s stake in television guide business Veronica Uitgeverij will be sold to Finnish-based Sanoma.

The ACM ruled that there will be no changes for customers or advertisers following the transaction, with Talpa already owning one-third of SBS.

SBS’s rights portfolio includes the Uefa Champions League club football competition.