Berlusconi Family’s MediaForEurope Takes 75.61% Stake in German Broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1

MediaForEurope, the TV group controlled by Italy’s Berlusconi family, has raised its stake in German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1 to 75.61%, and will become the majority shareholder.

PPF, the second largest shareholder in ProSiebenSat.1, has decided to tender its shares, representing 15.68% of ProSiebenSat.1’s share capital, into the MFE offer.

MFE, which is headed by Pier Silvio Berlusconi — who is the son of the late former Italian Prime Minister and TV tycoon Silvio Berlusconi — and runs TV operations in Italy and Spain, has long been building a growing stake in ProSiebenSat.1 and plotting a ProSiebenSat.1 takeover as part of its plan to create a pan-European advertising-funded network.

Bert Habets, group CEO of ProSiebenSat.1, said: “MFE becoming our majority shareholder marks an important milestone for ProSiebenSat.1. Together, we cover five core European markets, with ProSiebenSat.1 being a leader in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, and MFE in Italy and Spain, reaching a combined population of about 210 million people.

“In the coming weeks, we will work closely with MFE to identify the most promising opportunities for a deepened collaboration and align our vision for the future.”

In a statement, ProSiebenSat.1 said it “remains focused on driving the digital transformation of the entertainment business and increasing value for all stakeholders.” It added that “building on the progress achieved in the first half of 2025, ProSiebenSat.1 is committed to further establishing Joyn as the leading advertising-financed streaming platform in the German-speaking region, continuing to drive significant, double-digit growth in reach and engagement.”