EC unconditionally clears RTL’s acquisition of Sky DACH

The European Commission granted unconditional clearance to RTL Group's acquisition of Sky DACH following a thorough Phase I investigation. 

Both parties are active across the full audiovisual supply chain in the German-speaking region, giving rise to a large number of horizontal overlaps, vertical relationships, and conglomerate links. The Commission's review centred on three key areas: the acquisition of sports rights, the wholesale supply of TV channels and AV services, and advertising. 

RBB advised RTL Group throughout pre-notification and Phase I. A team led by Annabelle JochemAnnabelle JochemPartner and Christian EhmerChristian EhmerPartner, supported by Alia SchweigerAlia SchweigerPartner, Julian GroppJulian GroppPrincipal, Pauline AffeldtPauline AffeldtAssociate Principal and Alina GruschkaAlina GruschkaAssociate Principal, prepared several standalone economic submissions covering market definition and closeness of competition in advertising markets, as well as input foreclosure risks in the context of the wholesale supply of streaming services. 

RBB worked alongside Flick Gocke Schaumburg and Freshfields on this matter.