ProSiebenSat.1, the German media company, is reportedly preparing for a substantial round of layoffs, eliminating approximately 500 positions. This information comes from German business magazine Manager Magazin, which suggests that CEO Bert Habets will likely announce these cost-cutting measures during the company’s financial results press conference on March 6, 2025.
The job reductions will mainly affect the television and streaming sectors, currently employing around 4,000 individuals. Further operational expense cuts across other areas are also planned. While ProSiebenSat.1 declined to comment on the reported layoffs, they acknowledged the wider transformation affecting the media industry.
This restructuring coincides with mounting pressure from significant shareholders: Italy’s MFE-MediaForEurope and Czech investment group PPF. The recent resignation of ProSiebenSat.1’s Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Dr. Andreas Wiele, is partly attributed to the power struggle between these investors. Dr. Wiele will leave his post at the Annual General Meeting on May 28.
MFE, controlled by the Berlusconi family, holds a 29.99% stake in ProSiebenSat.1, falling just short of triggering a mandatory takeover offer. Their recent €3.4 billion loan secures funding for international expansion, aiming to create a pan-European media conglomerate to rival streaming services like Netflix.
Both MFE and PPF (holding a nearly 13% stake) have urged ProSiebenSat.1 to sell non-core assets, focusing on its core television and entertainment operations. This includes calls for a swift sale of digital platforms such as Verivox and Flaconi. Industry analysts predict MFE might launch a takeover bid following Germany’s next federal election and the release of ProSiebenSat.1’s annual financial results.
The ongoing shareholder tensions and restructuring efforts indicate a challenging period for this German media group.