CME Media Enterprises B.V. (CME) announces today that after receiving Croatian regulatory approval, it has closed the transaction to acquire RTL Croatia. With the addition of RTL Croatia, CME today owns 6 broadcasters in 6 CEE countries, we grow to 42 channels and reach 49 million viewers. RTL Croatia is currently the number two on the Croatian market, with approximately 350 employees.

RTL Croatia operates three free to air channels; RTL, RTL2, RTL Kockica, four Pay TV, thematic channels; RTL Adria, RTL Crime, RTL Passion and RTL Living, as well as one satellite channel for Croats living abroad, RTL Croatia World. The company has three web portals, Net.hr, RTL.hr and Žena.hr.  RTL also operates Play, the biggest free of charge streaming platform in the country.  As part of the transaction, CME has secured the long-term rights to retain the use of the RTL brand in Croatia.

A very clear strategic objective will be to create a strong cooperation between RTL Croatia and Pro Plus and generate synergies in areas such as digitalization and content. With this in mind, there will be several changes to the management and governance structures effective immediately:

Тonko Weissmann has become the new Executive Vice President – Croatian Operations. He has been with the organization since 2007 and has held a number of important legal and commercial positions. His appointment offers RTL Croatia continuity and stability during the important transition phase and management of future growth.

Branko Čakarmiš, current CEO of Pro Plus, will become the President of the RTL Croatia Management Board and CEO of the Adria Region. Branko will hold a dual position and will continue to execute his position of CEO of Pro Plus while acting as President of the RTL Croatia Management Board.

Christoph Mainusch has been appointed as President of the Supervisory Board of RTL Croatia and will offer his deep knowledge of the broadcasting industry to RTL Croatia in this oversight role.