TDF Acquires Media &
Broadcast, a T-Systems Subsidiary
November 14, 2007
Source: TDF
TDF’s acquisition
of Media&Broadcast will give rise to the leading European
TV and radio transmission group. The two market leaders in
France and Germany will be joining forces in a merger of equals
and constitute a new group based on two strong pillars in
these two countries. The TDF group already has an operational
presence in 7 European countries. It will now reach a new
European dimension with Media&Broadcast’s leading
position in the German market.
Media&Broadcast, the leading TV and radio transmission
company in Germany, posted 2006 revenues of €526 million.
It is a highly innovative company, building and operating
analogue and digital broadcasting networks including DVB-T,
DAB, DMB and DVB-H networks. It also offers satellite, contribution
and multi-media services. Media&Broadcast owns numerous
TV and radio frequencies in Germany and holds the recently
awarded DVB-H national mobile TV “frequency” license.
It is also a pioneer in the development of digital cinema
in Europe.
Pro forma, consolidated revenues of the TDF group will now
amount to €1.6 billion (2007 estimate), backed by over
5000 employees in 8 European countries.
Serving TDF Group customers
Customers in Germany, in France and in other countries will
benefit from the new dimension of the TDF Group, most notably
from its leadership in digital and mobile services. Numerous
complementary strengths will arise from the combination of
the two companies, in particular in developing new services,
sharing know-how, boosting innovation and standardizing best
practices to reach the highest service quality level for the
Group’s clients.
At the heart of digital Europe
The merger of TDF and Media&Broadcast also represents
an opportunity for the emergence of a strong digital market
in Europe. Both France and Germany just adopted DVB-H as the
main future standard for broadcast Mobile TV, opening the
way for a parallel roll out of the service in the two countries
with standardized handsets and applications. The merger of
the two leading broadcast network operators will also foster
the choice of a European standard for digital radio. In addition,
the combination of TDF and Media&Broacast will help promote
the roll-out of digital cinema in Europe.
The acquisition of Media & Broadcast,
following that of Antenna Hungaria in May 2007, supports TDF’s
determination and capacity to implement its strategy revealed
in September 2006, which is based on three growth areas: digitalization,
mobility and globalization. Half of its revenues will be generated
outside France.
TDF’s purchase of Media & Broadcast
is funded by debt and direct contributions from the shareholders
of TDF, who will conduct a share capital increase. Completion
of the transaction is scheduled for early 2008.
Michel Combes, CEO of TDF, commented : “This
business combination will give rise to a European market leader
focused on innovation and customer service. The strengths
of TDF and Media&Broadcast offer substantial opportunities
for further sustainable growth. We strongly appreciate Media&Broadcast’s
excellent workforce and look forward to jointly continue delivering
superior service to the company’s clients in Germany,
as well as to the TDF Group’s clients in France and in
the other countries where we are present”.
Dr. Matthias Calice, partner at TPG,
TDF’s largest shareholder, said : “We have continuously
helped TDF invest and grow in sales, products and services
and jobs. Our investment philosophy is to help companies to
explore growth opportunities and add value. The combination
of Media&Broadcast and TDF is a perfect match and we are
glad to be supporting TDF and Media&Broadcast on their
track to further growth”.
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