Leading German broadcaster/content provider RTL Group has agreed to acquire the remaining 35.4% of shares in U.K. television station Five, which airs animated content for kids during its Milkshake! block. The GBP 247.6 million transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be finalized in the fall.
RTL Group became one of the founding shareholders of Five in 1997 when it purchased 29% of shares in the fledgling broadcaster. The German company then upped its stake by 35.4% in 2000 as part of the merger between Pearson Television and CLT-UFA. RTL now owns 100% of Five’s shares.
Five has steadily grown audience and advertising market share since launching in the late ’90s. In 2003, the outlet posted its first operating profit, reporting revenue of GBP 290 million and a net of GBP 19 million.
RTL Group CEO Gerhard Zeiler comments, “This transaction demonstrates our commitment to our activities in the U.K. and is in line with our stated strategic objectives. Five is a key shareholding for us and we look forward to continuing to work with the management team to develop the business”.
Five’s Milkshake! block airs every morning beginning at 6 a.m. and features such animated kids’ series as Peppa Pig, Noddy, Miss Spider, Mechanick, Funky Valley, Franklin, Fifi and the Flowertots and The Save-Ums.
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