|
Previously known as Mediaset and controlled by the family of
former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, commercial
broadcaster MFE said it has built a stake of more than 25% in
ProSieben as part of a European growth strategy and could
influence voting in the case of low stakeholder presence.
It has repeatedly called for ProSieben to engage with its drive
to consolidate Europe's broadcasting industry.
Bavaria-based ProSieben has so far resisted, with Beaujean
flagging at the AGM the group's focus on local content to
differentiate it from international streaming providers.
"We know very well, for example, that transnational platforms
can work - but rarely in the media business," Beaujean said.
"Consolidation seems like an easier way forward, it's not the
right one, as there are no relevant, transnational synergies."
MFE criticised the supervisory board for a lack of transparency
over its decision to reallocate three of its seats at last
year's AGM, but ultimately decided not to challenge the nominees
with alternative candidates.
The Italians had also requested individual decisions on whether
to endorse the executive and supervisory board members of
ProSieben, which the German media group rejected.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Beaujean defended
ProSieben's decision to have the vote on the endorsement of the
boards take place collectively, and reiterated that the company
is strong enough for a future on its own two feet.
"If someone comes up with an idea and can show us that we're
stronger together, we'll listen to it," added Beaujean.
(Reporting by Klaus Lauer; Writing by Miranda Murray; Editing by
Madeline Chambers and Jan Harvey)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2022 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
