Merger creates new Czech triple-play provider

Czech Republic-based holding company Rio Media Group has completed the restructuring of its operations, bringing cable operator Antény 2H+B, based in the city of Klatovy in the south-west of the country, broadband service providers CL-Net, FCA and Frydek-Mistek-based Mattes (which operates as 802.tv), and Metropolitní sít’ Olomouc, which operates the city network of Olomouc in northern Moravia, together in a single entity.

Rio Media aims to provide triple-play services under a single brand via a unified network via both traditional analogue cable and IPTV over fixed-line and FTTx networks. According to Rio Media, the merger will create the third largest company offering communication services in the Czech Republic after Telefónica O2 Czech Republic and UPC. The company has 115,000 customers, mainly in central and northern Bohenia and northern Moravia. Its passes 100,000 homes via its fixed network and a further 250,000 via wireless networks.  Rio Media aims to sign up between 150,000 and 200,000 customers in the medium term, and says it will invest in its fibre network. Its triple-play package, Rio Bravo, offers 25Mbps internet and 60 digital TV channels, including HD services.

The company, which is chaired by former Karneval Media CEO Robert Gardner and backed by Argus Capital Partners, expects to report turnover of over CZK400m (€15.5m) this year.