Thomas Rabe, the outgoing CEO of RTL, aims to finalize the acquisition of the German subscription TV service Sky, a key legacy project for him. RTL announced the takeover last summer, and although they are still awaiting approval from the European competition authority, Rabe believes it may come sooner than expected. He expressed confidence that the EU Commission's approval could be granted as early as the beginning of the second quarter, potentially in April.

Rabe's optimism comes as a surprise given the typically cautious nature of competition authorities regarding public statements about their decisions. Nevertheless, it seems that RTL has engaged in extensive discussions with officials in Brussels prior to the official application for the takeover, which was submitted two weeks ago. According to Rabe, the preparation has been meticulous, and he claims that the merger presents 'almost no overlaps' with existing services, which could facilitate a positive reception by regulators.

This potential acquisition underscores the ongoing changes in the European media industry, where consolidation is becoming increasingly common as companies vie for market share and subscribers. If approved, the takeover will not only cement RTL's position in the German market but also reflect a strategic shift in how media companies are adapting to the evolving landscape of content consumption, especially in the face of digital competition.