Zygmunt Solorz

Syndicated Polish billionaire Zygmunt Solorz plans to consolidate his country's fragmented media landscape

Polish media mogul seeks to update his media portfolio

Zygmunt Solorz, a Polish billionaire and owner of mobile operator Play, is weighing plans to merge his media assets to create a single entity that would combine his television, radio, and online operations. The move would consolidate Mr. Solorz's control over Poland's fragmented media landscape and could give him greater leverage in negotiations with advertisers and content providers.

Business Expansion

The combination would unite TVN, Poland's largest commercial broadcaster, with the country's leading news channel TVN24 and the recently acquired RMF FM, the country's largest commercial radio station. The deal would also include the online news portal Onet.pl, giving the merged entity a powerful reach across multiple platforms.

Acquisition of TVN

The deal would require regulatory approval, but it is seen as having a good chance of success given that Mr. Solorz already controls a significant portion of the Polish media market. The move could also help him to compete more effectively with international streaming giants such as Netflix and Disney+, which have been making inroads into the Polish market.

Telecommunications Business

Mr. Solorz's media empire is part of his larger Cyfrowy Polsat Group, which also includes telecommunications and financial services businesses. The group has been expanding rapidly in recent years, acquiring a number of assets in both Poland and abroad.

Other Business Interests

Mr. Solorz is also a major shareholder in the country's largest oil refiner, PKN Orlen, and has interests in real estate and renewable energy. His net worth is estimated at around $2.5 billion, making him one of the richest people in Poland.

Conclusion

If the deal goes through, it would create a media behemoth in Poland with a powerful reach across multiple platforms. It would also give Mr. Solorz even greater control over the country's media landscape.