M7 Deutschland buys KabelKiosk from Eutelsat

TV platform operator M7 Deutschland is buying KabelKiosk, a platform of digital channels and interactive services for cable and IPTV networks in Germany, from Eutelsat. 

M7 Deutschland, an affiliate of European satellite services firm M7 Group, said that under the deal it will continue to develop KabelKiosk and will launch new IPTV and OTT video delivery platforms.

The acquisition, which was made for undisclosed terms, includes a long-term agreement for the lease of multiple transponders at Eutelsat’s 9° East orbital position. Eutelsat will also continue to provide uplink services for the KabelKiosk platform from its teleports in Italy and France.

In addition, Eutelsat and M7 Deutschland said they have agreed to establish a strategic partnership for connected TV, combining broadcast and on-demand video services.

“We are confident that KabelKiosk will further grow its existing cable business, as well as achieve additional growth through the exciting new opportunities provided by the new IPTV and OTT delivery platforms,” said Kees Färber, managing director of M7 Deutschland.

Eutelsat CEO and chairman, Michel de Rosen, added: “Having built a strong video distribution platform in Germany it is now time for a new shareholder to drive KabelKiosk forward as it embarks on a new chapter of expansion.

“Following the recent launch by M7 of its new Hungarian pay-TV venture from our 9° East video neighbourhood, the transaction announced today strengthens our relationship with the M7 group of companies.”

M7 Group already operates local European TV brands such as: CanalDigitaal and Online.nl in the Netherlands; TV Vlaanderen in Flanders; TéléSAT in French speaking Belgium; AustriaSat and HD Austria in Austria; AustriaSat Magyarország in Hungary; and CS Link and Skylink for the Czech and Slovak market.