RTL Group is expanding into online video after acquiring United Screens Maison moderne/archives

RTL Group is expanding into online video after acquiring United Screens Maison moderne/archives

The transaction was closed on 2 January 2018, according to a statement published on Monday 8 January.

“With this investment, RTL Group expands its footprint as the leading European media company in online video,” the statement read.

The acquisition complements RTL Group’s existing MPN portfolio, which includes Los Angeles-based StyleHaul, Berlin-based Divimove and Vancouver-based BroadbandTV.

“This acquisition is another step in accelerating our ‘Total Video’ strategy, as United Screens strengthens our MPN presence in Europe. With our highly popular creators and leading market positions in each territory, RTL Group is the only European company to offer advertisers pan-European digital video campaigns in premium and brand-safe environments,” said RTL Group CEO Bert Habets, who has become Chairman of the Board of United Screens.

United Screens generates over 500 million video views a month on YouTube and represents hundreds of influencers in music, lifestyle and entertainment across all social media platforms. The company was founded by Malte Andreasson, Stina Bergfors and Bonnier Ventures in 2013 and is based in Stockholm, Sweden, with offices in Oslo, Norway and Helsinki, Finland. Bonnier Ventures financed the company since the early start.

The purchase agreement provides for a price of SEK 120 million (€12.4 million) on a debt and cash-free basis subject to usual post-closing adjustments. Additionally, RTL Group plans to invest SEK 25 million (€2.6 million) to fund the company’s growth plan across the Nordic region.