RTL Deutschland has announced the sale of three prominent women's magazines, Brigitte, Gala, and Eltern, to the FUNKE Mediengruppe, marking a significant shift in the publishing landscape.
Effective March 24, 2025, the acquisition will see around 300 employees transferred to the FUNKE Mediengruppe, retaining their existing contracts, as part of RTL's strategy to reshape its publishing business.
Stephan Schmitter, CEO of RTL Deutschland, emphasized the rationale behind this decision. "The media transformation is accelerating, and it is sensible to consolidate businesses where they can be led with full focus and expertise," Schmitter stated during the announcement. The company's approach is guided by its 'Best Owner' philosophy, which aims to ensure the sustainable security of jobs while aligning with a publisher that has proven competence in print and digital segments.
This sale is part of a broader restructuring strategy for RTL Deutschland, which involves bundling other brands like GEOlino, GEOlino mini, and ART under the stern+ brand, overseen by Gregor Peter Schmitz at RTL News. Meanwhile, lifestyle brands including Schöner Wohnen, Couch, and Häuser will be incorporated into RTL's Consumer Products division, headed by Thorsten Braun.
Jesper Doub, managing director responsible for national brands at FUNKE, expressed enthusiasm over the acquisition, asserting that Brigitte, Gala, and Eltern not only possess significant print appeal but also exude strong digital performance. "We are honored to continue these brands, which are true 'Love Brands' and complement our portfolio under the motto of 'mass and class,'" said Doub.
The sale is contingent upon approval by the relevant antitrust authorities, a standard procedure for transactions of this magnitude.
This transition comes at a time when RTL Deutschland is actively shifting its focus towards digital and streaming content as part of its 'SHINE 2030' strategy. With the media landscape evolving rapidly, the consolidation of print titles reflects a broader trend toward enhancing reach and subscriber growth in digital spaces.
Schmitter expressed ambition to not only strengthen RTL Deutschland's positioning but also bolster the growth trajectory of streaming services like RTL+ and the paid content model with stern+.
Meanwhile, the departure of notable figures such as Bernd Hellermann, CEO of Gruner + Jahr, and Carina Laudage, Chief Product Officer, was announced as part of this restructuring. Both executives are leaving in mutual agreement with RTL Deutschland, marking the end of an era for the once-cherished Gruner + Jahr.
Hellermann expressed gratitude to the team, stating, "It was a delight and an honor to work with them. Together, we managed to turn around and digitize Gruner + Jahr as part of RTL Deutschland. Now, a new chapter is being written, and I wish all the best for the brands and their people.”
Laudage reiterated the successes achieved during her tenure, stating, "We have worked diligently with a strong team to transform the brands and make them economically viable again—and we succeeded. I thank the wonderful team that dedicated themselves to developing new digital revenue models.”
Starting April 1, 2025, Christian Behr will take over the management of remaining components of Gruner + Jahr in addition to his current responsibilities as Managing Director of dpv GmbH.
As RTL Deutschland forges ahead, the excitement and apprehension among employees about the future reflect the uncertainty pervading the industry. On one hand, the focus on digital content presents new opportunities; on the other, the transition away from traditional print roles raises concerns about job security and continuity.
In essence, this move conveys both an acknowledgment of the changing tides in media consumption habits and an intent to adapt closely to market dynamics.
As FUNKE Mediengruppe prepares to welcome the experienced teams of Brigitte, Gala, and Eltern, they also aim to innovate and build upon the established legacy of these brands while navigating the opportunities offered within digital landscapes.
This significant transition in the German media market not only reshapes workforce dynamics but also potentially revitalizes longstanding brands under a new banner, raising the question of how these brands will evolve in the rapidly changing media environment.
