Joint venture established to launch German-language multimedia platform “CNBC DACH” in Vienna

CNBC, the global market leader in business and financial news, is granting the joint venture company, C-DACH Business News Holding GmbH, an exclusive 10-year license to establish the multimedia platform 'CNBC DACH'. The joint venture partners include Austrian entrepreneur, investor, and founder Alexander Schütz, the renowned entrepreneur and investor Benjamin Lakatos, in particular Executive Chairman and majority shareholder of MET Group, and media entrepreneur Rusmir Nefic. The launch of 'CNBC DACH' is subject to customary regulatory approvals from the competent competition authorities.

'CNBC DACH' will combine international market coverage with regional reporting, with a particular focus on key actors in the business and financial markets in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The platform will operate on a 24/7 basis and serve as an integrated, cross-platform business news provider delivering high-quality, fact-based business and financial content across television, digital channels, social media, live events, and print formats – including a dedicated TV channel with localized feeds and original reporting tailored specifically to the DACH region. The launch is scheduled for 2027.

"Especially in a time of rapid change in news reporting and information dissemination, we are particularly pleased to provide legal guidance for such a significant project in the German-language media market and contribute to its successful implementation," said Johannes Feilmair, Partner at E+H and lead counsel for the transaction.

E+H advised on the transaction with a multidisciplinary team covering corporate and M&A, antitrust, employment, IP and public law. The core Corporate and M&A team included partners Clemens Katzenbeisser, Dominik Juster and Bernhard Walter, alongside associates Gabriel Straßer and others. Antitrust advice was provided by partners Jochen Anweiler and William Redl, supported by associates Julia König and Paul Rois. Employment law matters were handled by partners Jana Eichmeyer and Theresa Weiss-Dorer, together with associates Alexandra Pichler and Adrian Walser. Public law aspects were covered by partner Georg Knafl and associate Sonia Havlikova, while IP advice was provided by attorney-at-law Hannah Kercz.