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,

European broadcaster RTL Group said on Friday it would buy Sky Deutschland, in a deal that combines Sky's sports and streaming offerings with RTL's news and entertainment brands to create a business with 11.

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.