Observed Signal · Sep 4, 2026 · M&A - Announced · Source: Golem · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Freenet acquires Exaring, including Waipu.tv and fiber network
The article reports that Freenet, a German mobile network operator, has acquired the remaining 25% stake in Exaring, the company behind the streaming service Waipu.tv. The deal is valued at a premium, and it gives Freenet full control over Exaring and its fiber optic network spanning 12,000 kilometers. The acquisition occurs as Exaring was reportedly preparing an IPO, which is now prevented by this takeover. The move is part of Freenet's strategy to strengthen its position in the TV and broadband market.
The acquisition of Exaring by Freenet is significant for the German TV and broadband market, consolidating control over Waipu.tv and a major fiber network, likely impacting streaming and advertising distribution in Germany.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Freenet acquires remaining 25% stake in Exaring.
- Exaring operates the streaming service Waipu.tv.
- Exaring owns a fiber optic network of 12,000 kilometers.
- The deal prevents Exaring's planned IPO.
- Freenet gains full control over Exaring.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“Freenet acquires the remaining 25% stake in Exaring”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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Freenet acquires full control of waipu.tv
German mobile carrier Freenet AG is acquiring the remaining 25% stake in Exaring AG, operator of online TV platform waipu.tv, from minority shareholders for an initial €76 million, valuing the company at around €300 million. Additional performance-based earn-out payments of up to €50 million may follow based on future success. The acquisition, fully financed from liquid funds, abandons plans for a waipu.tv IPO. Freenet sees waipu.tv's IPTV offering as a strategic growth driver in the German market, including potential in programmatic advertising, and maintains its dividend outlook. Waipu.tv serves approximately two million customers and holds a 20-25% market share in German IPTV. CEO Robin Harries and CFO Ingo Arnold highlighted the strategic benefits.
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