Freshfields advised Talpa Network on the proposed merger with RTL Nederland

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (‘Freshfields’) has advised Talpa Network on the proposed merger with RTL Nederland, merging their broadcasting and affiliated media businesses in the Netherlands. Talpa Network will contribute its TV, radio, print, digital, e-commerce and other assets to RTL Nederland and will receive a 30 per cent stake in RTL Nederland in return. RTL Group will hold the remaining 70 per cent in the combined group. Talpa Network’s content units (Talpa Concepts, Talpa Entertainment Producties) and RTL Nederland will furthermore enter into a content agreement for newly developed formats for linear TV channels and for the streaming service Videoland.

The transaction is subject to approval from the competition authorities and is expected to close in the first half of 2022. The advisory process with the respective works councils will start in due course.

The Freshfields team was led by partner Harald Spruit and principal associate Saloua Ouchan together with senior associate Marius Weyers and associates Julius Kahn, Ingrid van den Bosch, Maxine Lemstra and Tijn Mandema (Corporate/M&A). Antitrust advice was provided by counsel Alvaro Pliego Selie and associate Max Immerzeel whereas employment advice was provided by partner Brechje Nollen and associate Julia Heusden. Tax advice was provided by partner Bob van Kasteren and associate Daan van Schaik. Senior associate Mark Egeler advised on data, privacy and IP together with associate Hiske Roos.