European media conglomerate RTL Group released first-half financial results showing mixed performance across its business segments. The company posted revenue of €2.9 billion, representing a 3.9% increase year-over-year. The growth was primarily attributed to its streaming division, which demonstrated strong momentum and profitability during the period.
RTL’s financial outlook improved significantly following its acquisition of Sky Deutschland from Comcast in June. The transaction expanded the company’s revenue base and prompted management to raise its full-year guidance to between €7.1 billion and €7.2 billion, compared with a previous forecast of €6.1 billion to €6.2 billion issued earlier in the year. The merger of Sky Deutschland with RTL+ will create a combined streaming platform operating across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with 12.4 million paid subscriptions.
Streaming operations generated adjusted EBITDA of €239 million during the first half, nearly 50% higher than the prior year. Company leadership characterized the streaming business as delivering strong profitability, with the sector now expected to contribute approximately €100 million to full-year operating profit. RTL Group CEO Clément Schwebig stated that the company now positions itself as the third-largest streaming provider in the German-speaking market, citing the Sky Deutschland transaction as transformational.
Offsetting the streaming gains were declines in other segments. Traditional linear television advertising revenue fell 4%, while Fremantle production operations decreased 7.7% to €835 million. However, management indicated expectations for Fremantle revenue recovery later in the year through new content releases, including a “Baywatch” reboot scheduled for U.S. broadcast in January 2027 and the thriller “Kill Jackie” featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones, which secured distribution through HBO Max and other platforms. RTL stated its intention to continue substantial investment in intellectual property development and production company acquisitions.
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