RTL’s BroadbandTV bags YoBoHo

BroadbandTV, owned by European broadcast giant RTL Group, has strengthened its multi-channel network offering by acquiring children’s producer and channels operator YoBoHo.

YoBoHo operates 27 YouTube channels, including HooplaKidz, and offers more than 8,000 kids’ shows, which it claims generate three billion views per year.

YoBoHo’s 55 employees will join Canada-based BroadbandTV, which has said the deal will see its average views top four billion per month and around 50 billion per year.

“We’re very pleased to conclude the acquisition of a top player in the kids’ space at a time when the kids’ content vertical is experiencing burgeoning growth,” said Shahrzad Rafati, BroadbandTV’s founder and CEO.

He added that the “multimillion-dollar investment” would enable it to “expand its library of original content, broaden its international footprint, and further diversify its revenue streams.”

Guillaume de Posch, co-CEO of RTL Group, said the deal was “another milestone in our joint efforts to achieve leading positions in all segments of the rapidly growing online video space.”

RTL acquired a majority stake in BroadbandTV in June 2013. The MCN operator already owns YouTube gaming network TGN, hip-hop network Opposition and female lifestyle brand Kandesa.