– This latest acquisition will see the MFE group becoming active in no less than six European markets
(© MFE–MediaForEurope)
MFE–MediaForEurope has acquired 32.9% of the holding company Impresa, which is Portugal’s leading multimedia group and the editor of the SIC TV networks, as well as of various digital and print newspapers, including the weekly publication Expresso. This move – which isn’t a takeover – strengthens the western European presence of the group headed up by Pier Silvio Berlusconi, raising the total number of countries in which MFE is active to six: Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Portugal.
This long-term, industrial investment will see the firm initiating collaboration with the Balsemão family, who are long-term shareholders in Impresa. The main operational synergies – ranging from advertising revenue to the development of the digital platform – will be acted upon immediately. According to Berlusconi, entry into the Portuguese market represents a strategic expansion “across the entire Iberian peninsula”, which advertising investors see as one single territory. “This partnership with Impresa, and the presence of Mediaset España, will further improve our position in the European market”, the CEO stated, emphasising the Portuguese group’s family set-up and lengthy editorial experience.
Impresa CEO Francisco Pedro Balsemão expressed his contentment with the agreement, describing it as a step which brings together two entities united by a vision focused on “quality content, local production and technological innovation”. Impresa, he enthused, will bring the added value of experience and a firm anchoring within the Portuguese market.
MFE’s expansion follows on from its recent acquisition of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, the second-largest European radio and television group in terms of its reach, with headquarters in Baviera and a presence in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Initiated by way of a voluntary takeover bid in May 2025, which was subsequently raised in July, this move has resulted in MFE holding 75.61% of the firm’s capital to date.
(Translated from Italian)
