Bavaria Media is folding its content distribution business and rights portfolio into ARD Plus, which already runs streaming, VoD and FAST channel operations, and becomes a shareholder, while WDR mediagroup keeps the majority. ARD Plus, led by Ingo Vandré, will run two divisions, ARD Plus Product & Channels and ARD Plus Distribution, from Cologne and Munich; competition clearance is in hand, closing is expected by the end of 2026, and Bavaria Media keeps only its film music publishing business. International buyers who dealt with both catalogues will deal with one seller.
Germany's ARD and Bavaria Merge Their Program Sales Arms
