The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has approved the acquisition of Viaplay Netherlands by Videoland, which is part of DPG Media. The competition watchdog expects the takeover to have no adverse effects on viewers, the acquisition of sports broadcasting rights, or the sale of advertising space. It believes sufficient competition will remain after the acquisition.

It was announced in the summer that streaming service Videoland would take over Viaplay Netherlands’ sports rights and programming. The deal includes broadcasting rights for sports in the Netherlands, including Formula 1, Premier League football, darts, hockey and other sporting events. The expansion of Videoland’s portfolio is worth 142 million euros. Around 50 employees of Viaplay Netherlands will also transfer to DPG Media.

The ACM also highlighted that the sports broadcasting rights are not permanent. Once the current licences expire, the rights holders will offer them to broadcasters again. Viaplay Netherlands’ existing deal to show Formula 1 in the Netherlands, for instance, runs until 2029.

The takeover will strengthen the position of DPG Media, which already owns Dutch media outlets including AD, NU.nl and RTL. The ACM assessed the potential consequences for viewers and advertising markets before approving the deal.

However, the regulator expects limited effects on public opinion, as Viaplay Netherlands does not provide news content. It also considers the streaming service a relatively small competitor focused on a specific range of sports, so its addition will only marginally increase DPG Media’s overall market share.

Viaplay has seen its subscriber numbers fall for some time. The Swedish streaming company is selling its Dutch business as part of a strategy to concentrate fully on the Northern European market.