The sale for up to $617 million comes as legacy companies shake up their portfolios in an attempt to adapt to the rise of streaming platforms.

This brings to an end a long, drawn-out sales process of RTL’s Dutch business. RTL struck the deal with DPG Media, a European operation with bases in Benelux and Denmark, in December 2023 and expected the agreement to close in mid-2024. However, regulators wanted to take a deeper look and the issue dragged on.

The deal creates Germany’s third-largest streamer and strengthens RTL’s position as a gatekeeper for international platforms entering Europe’s top TV market. "HBO Max is launching in Germany next year,