On April 14, 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) announced that its Polish subsidiary, TVN, will remain under its corporate umbrella, ending recent speculation about a potential sale. The decision was communicated to employees in a message from Kasia Kieli, president and managing director of WBD in Poland and CEO of TVN, alongside Gerhard Zeiler, president of WBD International.
In the message, Kieli and Zeiler explained, "Over the last few months, we have conducted a review of strategic options for TVN. One possibility considered was the sale of the company. This process is not unusual for public companies like Warner Bros. Discovery. Today, we would like to inform you that we have concluded this phase. We have decided that the optimal option is for TVN to remain within the WBD structure and develop our business as part of one group."
TVN has been a key player in the Polish media landscape, recognized as a market leader. The management emphasized the importance of TVN within WBD's international structure, stating, "TVN plays a key role in the international structures of WBD. We know that the period of uncertainty has been difficult for all of you. We want you to know that we greatly appreciate your professionalism and contribution over the past months."
Rumors of a potential sale surfaced in late 2024, when Reuters reported that WBD began preparations to sell the TVN group. Various interested parties were mentioned, including a consortium of Polish investors surrounding Wirtualna Polska and Ringier Axel Springer Polska, along with CVC Capital Partners. At that time, TVN was valued at over 1 billion euros.
In recent weeks, Business Insider Polska reported that Michał Sołowow, a prominent Polish businessman, had withdrawn from negotiations to acquire TVN. Sołowow's withdrawal was attributed to global economic uncertainties, particularly due to tariffs imposed by the previous U.S. administration. Initially, Sołowow's offer was considered the highest, but the shifting economic landscape led to his exit.
Earlier in January 2025, Radio Zet disclosed that two formal offers had been submitted for the purchase of TVN. One offer came from Sołowow, while the other was from Wirtualna Polska in a consortium with another entity possibly linked to Rafał Brzoska, the owner of InPost.
The management's decision to retain TVN within WBD comes as a relief to its 2,400 employees, who had been anxious amid the speculation of a sale. The company has shown resilience, reporting a 5% increase in revenues in 2023, totaling 2.25 billion PLN, with a net profit rise from 331.8 million PLN to 419.7 million PLN.
TVN has a diverse portfolio, offering 12 television stations, including TVN, TVN7, TTV, TVN24, and others, as well as a range of internet services. The broadcaster has been part of the Discovery family since early 2018, following the acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive for $14.6 billion.
Despite the challenges posed by the economic climate, WBD's decision to keep TVN is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the Polish market. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the focus will now shift to how TVN can expand and innovate within the WBD framework.
The confirmation that TVN will not change owners marks a significant moment for the company and its employees, who can now look forward to a more stable future under the Warner Bros. Discovery banner. As Kieli and Zeiler noted in their message, the commitment to developing TVN as part of WBD is a testament to its importance in the broader media ecosystem.
