Sweden’s TV4 and Finland’s MTV are being sold in a deal worth SEK6.55B ($613M).
The networks’ parent company, Telia, has entered into an agreement to sell its TV and media operations to Schibsted Media.
Telia, a Nordic telecommunications giant, has owned TV4 and MTV since 2018, when it acquired Bonnier Broadcasting, but is selling up to use the cash to deleverage. The deal is set to close in the third quarter of 2025, subject to approvals.
“We have an opportunity to secure a new home for TV & Media with a strategic long-term Nordic owner that can further develop the business while maintaining its editorial independence,” said Patrik Hofbauer, Telia Company’s President and CEO.
TV4 and MTV’s content will continue be distributed through Telia’s consumer TV offer.
Watch on Deadline
Oslo-based Schibsted owns news brands such as VG and Aftenposten in Norway, Aftonbladet and Svenska Dagbladet and other Nordic media businesses. It will now add TV4 and MTV’s ad-funded and pay-TV channels and streamers TV4 Play and MTV Katsomo. Telia’s TV & Media business employs around 1,200 staff.
“Since Aftonbladet became part of Schibsted in 1996, we have been dedicated to Sweden, making this a truly historic day for us,” said Schibsted CEO Siv Juvik Tveitnes.
“As competition with global tech giants intensifies, building complete and nationally rooted media positions with scale and investment capacity is more important than ever to safeguard editorial independence. This agreement marks a significant step towards forming a leading Nordic media destination.”