TECHNOLOGY, MEDIA & SERVICES
It also sealed a relationship with one of the most The debt refinancing package for Talpa was a tremendous influential figures in Dutch broadcasting: Radio 538 opportunity. But it was not without its challenges. owner and media mogul John de Mol. Identifying the competitive position going forward and tailoring the appropriate loan package was one of the The five-year term loan for De Mol’s Talpa Media Group, biggest issues, particularly in a changing landscape that co-financed with ABN AMRO and Deutsche Bank, will has seen established media companies disappear and assist Radio 538 as it builds on its solid fan base in the previously unknown ones suddenly valued at billions. crucial 19-34 demographic and diversifies into digital radio in preparation for the future. “There’s no question that this was the most difficult task,” says Ivo Blij, Associate Director for Lending in De Mol – one of Europe’s wealthiest men and a true NIBC’s Technology, Media & Services team. “This is a media visionary – created reality TV concepts such as business sector undergoing transformational change. Big Brother and The Voice. Judging risk under those conditions is incredibly difficult.”
NIBC View 2012
| 27