Archive · 4 Sep 2025
Berlusconi Family's MFE Acquires Over 75% Stake in ProSiebenSat.1
The Berlusconi family, through their company MFE, has taken control of the German TV giant ProSiebenSat.1.
This means they now own over three-quarters of the company's shares.
MFE wants to create a bigger broadcasting group in Europe to compete with online platforms like Netflix and YouTube.
MFE previously owned around 30% of the shares and has been trying to acquire the company for a long time.
The deal is worth billions of euros and involves companies in Germany, Italy, and Spain.
The deal brings in a combined audience of 210 million people across the five European markets.
The MFE CEO hopes to create more German content.
MediaForEurope (MFE) secured over 75% of ProSiebenSat.1 Media's voting shares.
MFE's stake allows full access to ProSieben's earnings, which can now be consolidated.
The deal aims to create Europe's largest broadcasting group, competing with digital rivals.
The takeover, valued at €1.8B, concludes a long process.
MFE plans to create more localized content tailored to the German audience.
- Who
- MediaForEurope (MFE)
- What
- Secured over 75% of ProSiebenSat.1 Media's voting shares
- When
- Ongoing, with the final results of the takeover offer recently released
- Where
- Germany (ProSiebenSat.1) and Italy/Spain (MFE)
- Why
- To become Europe's largest broadcasting group and compete with digital rivals.
Concerns Over Editorial Independence
Commitment to Localized Content
Editorial Direction
Concerns Over Editorial Independence
Some worry the Berlusconi family will shift ProSieben editorially to the right.
Commitment to Localized Content
MFE reaffirmed its commitment to preserving editorial independence.
Job Security
Concerns Over Editorial Independence
Some groups believe jobs at risk.
Commitment to Localized Content
MFE stated the goal to preserve jobs and strengthen ProSiebenSat.1’s roots.
- Acquiring Company
- MediaForEurope (MFE)
- Target Company
- ProSiebenSat.1 Media
- MFE Stake
- 75.61% of voting shares
- Deal Value
- €1.8B ($2.1B)
- Combined Market Reach
- Approximately 210 million people