ACM clears Videoland’s €142 million Viaplay Netherlands acquisition
October 23, 2026 11.43 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Dutch competition regulator ACM has approved Videoland’s acquisition of Viaplay Netherlands, concluding that the transaction will not significantly restrict competition in streaming, sports rights or advertising.

The decision clears a major hurdle for the €142 million deal, which will bring Viaplay’s Dutch subscribers and sports licences into DPG Media’s Videoland business. Viaplay said in a trading update that completion is expected within weeks.

ACM examined the acquisition against DPG Media’s wider position in the Netherlands, where its interests include newspapers, magazines, radio, RTL television channels and Videoland.

The regulator concluded that Viaplay Netherlands is a relatively small competitor and highlighted the limited duration of its sports licences. These include Formula 1, Premier League football, PDC darts and hockey.

Viaplay’s current Dutch Formula 1 licence expires in 2029. ACM said other interested parties would then have the opportunity to bid, limiting the lasting competitive advantage conferred by the acquisition.

The investigation also considered advertising sales through Ad Alliance, which represents DPG Media and other companies. ACM found that Viaplay’s limited viewing share and advertising inventory meant the transfer would not materially alter bargaining positions, with advertisers retaining sufficient alternatives around sports programming.

ACM consulted the Dutch Media Authority, which considered the impact on public opinion unlikely to be significant because Viaplay Netherlands does not position itself as a news platform.

DPG Media welcomed the clearance but said final steps remained before completion. Existing subscriptions, prices and apps remain unchanged for now, with further information to follow. Neither company has announced a timetable for migrating sports coverage to Videoland or introducing new packages.

Announced on July 1, the transaction values Viaplay’s Dutch streaming and broadcasting operations at €142 million on a cash- and debt-free basis. Viaplay said the proceeds would help reduce debt as it concentrates on its core Nordic markets.