Media company Viaplay acquires entire shareholding in Allente for a sum of $110 million.
In a significant move, Viaplay Group has acquired the remaining 50% stake in Allente Group from Telenor Group for SEK 1.1 billion ($110 million), becoming the sole owner of the joint venture. The acquisition, announced in July 2025, consolidates Viaplay’s position in the Nordic market by expanding its customer base and service offerings.
Details of the Acquisition
Telenor Group, which had held a 50% stake in Allente since the joint venture’s creation in May 2020 from the merger of Canal Digital and Viasat, is the seller in this deal. The SEK 1.1 billion cash consideration paid by Viaplay will finance the acquisition. To further fund the deal, Viaplay is seeking approvals from bondholders for a new SEK 1,726 million term loan facility.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark and is expected to close within 6 to 9 months.
Allente serves approximately 844,000 subscribers across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, providing TV services via satellite (DTH), IPTV, OTT, and broadband (in Sweden). In 2024, Allente reported revenues of SEK 6.5 billion, EBITDA of SEK 996 million, and free cash flow of SEK 1 billion.
Implications for Customers and Services
There will be no impact on service quality for Allente’s customers as a result of the transaction. Allente is recognized as a leading provider of premium TV content in the Nordics, and the acquisition supports continued delivery of high-quality entertainment and broadband services.
Viaplay’s strategic intention is to build on Allente’s strong local presence and deepen offerings, leveraging complementary strengths in OTT and broader television services.
Future Plans and Strategic Rationale
The acquisition reflects a natural evolution of a strong partnership between Viaplay, Allente, and Telenor, aiming to strengthen Viaplay’s market position in the Nordic region.
Viaplay views Allente as a complementary business, with 95% of Allente’s revenue coming from non-OTT sources, complementing Viaplay’s OTT-focused services. Viaplay intends to enhance Allente’s product offerings and customer experience to further commercialize content and improve monetization.
The transaction enables Viaplay to revise its long-term guidance and 2025 financial targets, reflecting confidence in the integrated business model and financial strength.
Key Players' Statements
Dan Ouchterlony, EVP of Telenor Amp, expressed pride in the collaboration between Telenor, Allente, and Viaplay over the past five years. Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, President & CEO of Viaplay Group, is excited about taking full ownership of Allente, confident that it will be in the right hands going forward.
However, neither Dan Ouchterlony nor Jørgen Madsen Lindemann mentioned any potential changes in Allente's strategy or services.
In summary, Viaplay’s full ownership of Allente solidifies its footprint in the Nordic pay-TV and broadband markets, with no immediate changes for customers but with strategic benefits expected in content delivery, service expansion, and financial performance going forward. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Technology will play a crucial role in Viaplay's plans to enhance Allente's product offerings and customer experience, with the aim to improve monetization. This move is expected to support the continued delivery of high-quality entertainment and broadband services in the Nordic region.
The acquisition of Allente by Viaplay further strengthens Viaplay's position in the Nordic market, providing an opportunity for technology integration to optimize service offerings and customer service.
