Mediaset takes 9.6% stake in Prosiebensat.1
Details
Joseph O'Halloran
| 29 May 2019

In a move that the Italian media group says represents a sign of confidence in the future of free-to-air TV in Europe, Mediaset has acquired almost a tenth of the equity of German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1 Media.

Mediaset’s acquisition of a 9.6% stake in ProSiebenSat.1 Media corresponding to up to 9.9% of the voting rights, excluding treasury stocks. Mediaset Italia and Mediaset España have enjoyed a corporate relationship with ProSiebenSat.1 in the European Media Alliance (EMA) for five years. The goal of this new alliance is to develop scale economies which Mediaset Group believes will be crucial for the future of European TV.

“The friendly acquisition of a stake in ProSiebenSat.1 is a long-term choice, aimed at creating value with an increasingly international outlook. It strengthens our existing industrial relationship,” commented Mediaset chief executive officer Pier Silvio Berlusconi.

“Mediaset is proud to invest in the future of free-to-air European television. And it is with the future precisely in mind, that the Mediaset Group, by becoming a shareholder of ProSiebenSat.1, confirms its esteem for the current management. The rapid process of globalisation that is determining the international scenario is such that European media companies like us need to join forces if we are to continue to compete, or even just resist, in terms of our European cultural identity, eventual attacks by the global giants. It is in this spirit of collaboration and shared vision that Mediaset, the leader in Italy and Spain, has decided to invest in ProSiebenSat.1. An investment that, we are sure, will create tangible value for both groups.”

Added ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE CEO Max Conze: “We welcome Gruppo Mediaset’s investment and see this as a vote of confidence in our strategy and the team.”