Fremantle takes control of Divimove

FremantleMedia has increased its stake in Divimove, the largest multi-channel network (MCN) in Germany, to become the majority shareholder.

The X Factor and American Idol coproducer has taken a 51% stake of the Berlin-based outfit, having taken a minority (26%) holding in September 2013.

Divimove was founded in 2012 by entrepreneurs Brian Ruhe (CEO), Philipp Bernecker (chief operating office) and Sebastiaan van Dam (chief financial officer) and has become one of the leading European MCNs with more than 900 million monthly views.

The company provides creators on YouTube with tools for monetising their content, technical support and analysis, as well as marketing and cross-promotional support.

The deal complements the digital ambitions of FremantleMedia’s parent company RTL Group, which late last year acquired fashion and beauty MCN StyleHaul and, in 2013, the world’s third largest MCN, BroadbandTV.