Dutch regulator launches in-depth probe into RTL, Talpa merger

The Netherlands' Authority for Consumer and Markets on Jan. 28 said it is launching an extensive investigation into the planned merger of RTL Group SA and Talpa Holding NV's Dutch broadcasting and affiliated media subsidiaries.

The Dutch regulator's preliminary findings are that the two media companies compete in show production, television channels distribution and ads sales, which may negatively impact price, quality and innovation in the media sector.

RTL Nederland BV and Talpa have "a large number of commercial television channels and various production companies that produce and sell television shows," the regulator, also known as ACM, said. The two companies, when combined, would be the largest provider of airtime for television ads.

ACM will now investigate the planned combination's impact on advertisers, show producers, television-channel distributors and subscription costs for consumers.

The investigation intends to find out whether the combined entity will charge higher prices following the merger.