Graceful Farewell: "Brigitte", "Gala", "Parents" Wave Goodbye to RTL, Greet Funke Media
- Funke buys multiple magazines from RTL
In a moving shift, RTL Germany is bidding adieu to the Gruner-und-Jahr magazines, "Brigitte", "Gala", and "Parents", as they sell these beloved brands to the Funke Media Group. This transition, part of RTL's business model overhaul, will see about 300 dedicated employees migrate to Funke Media, retaining their employment contracts. The deal, however, remains contingent upon approval from the relevant antitrust authorities.
RTL Germany continues to perpetuate its transformation, setting sights on the fortified reach of juggernaut, RTL, and the proliferation of subscriber and usage numbers for its streaming offerings, RTL+ and stern+.
Stephan Schmitter, RTL Germany's CEO, eloquently states, "The media landscape is steadily evolving, and it's prudent to prioritize businesses where they can flourish, brimming with expertise and ironclad assurance for our team members. Funke Media Group, armed with virtuosity in the print and publishing industry, embodies the perfect publishing haven for these three robust brands and our esteemed colleagues based in Hamburg."
Jesper Doub, mastermind at FUNKE Medien National Brands, shares, "We adore impregnable brands like 'Gala', 'Brigitte', and 'Parents'. They boast not only vast leverage in print but also thrive vigorously in the digital arena. We are thrilled to cultivate their continued development."
As part of this revolution, the CEO of Gruner und Jahr, Bernd Hellermann, and the Chief Product Officer, Carina Laudage, will depart RTL Germany amicably. By April 1, 2025, Christian Behr will assume the reins of Gruner + Jahr alongside his role as CEO of dpv GmbH. RTL Germany's headquarters in Hamburg shall remain intact.
Transparency note: Stern is among RTL Germany's possessions.
- RTL Germany
- RTL
- Gruner + Jahr
- Funke Media Group
- Transition
- Streaming
- Stephan Schmitter
- Gregor Peter Schmitz
- Jesper Doub
- Christian Behr
Brief Insights:
- RTL Germany sells its Gruner-und-Jahr brands ("Brigitte", "Gala", "Parents") to the Funke Media Group as part of its restructuring efforts.
- The deal is subject to the agreement of antitrust authorities.
- After the takeover, the 300 employees associated with these brands will continue their employment contracts under Funke Media Group.
- Funke Media Group, an expert in print and publishing, is expected to further develop these brands in their new home.
- The departure of Bernd Hellermann (CEO Gruner und Jahr) and Carina Laudage (Chief Product Officer Gruner und Jahr) from RTL Germany marks the start of Christian Behr's double duty as CEO of dpv GmbH and Gruner + Jahr.
- The Gruner-und-Jahr magazines, including "Brigitte", "Gala", and "Parents", will move from RTL Germany to Funke Media Group, marking a shift in the media landscape.
- Christian Behr, the CEO of dpv GmbH, is set to assume a dual role as CEO of Gruner + Jahr, following the departure of Bernd Hellermann and Carina Laudage from RTL Germany.
- The Funke Media Group, with its expertise in print and publishing, is eager to cultivate the continued development of the brands "Gala", "Brigitte", and "Parents" in their new home.
