Italy’s MFE-MediaForEurope, controlled by the family of the late Silvio Berlusconi, has reached a binding agreement to acquire a 33.3% stake in Portuguese media company Impresa for €35 million. The deal marks a strategic move to consolidate MFE’s presence across Southern Europe, following previous expansions in Spain and its native Italy.
The transaction involves the purchase of shares from the Balsemão family, founders of Impresa, and grants MFE the option to increase its stake over time. Impresa operates SIC, Portugal’s largest private broadcaster, along with various digital and publishing assets.
According to MFE, the acquisition fits its pan-European strategy aimed at building a cross-border television and digital media group capable of competing with global players. MFE’s statement noted that the agreement is “consistent with MFE’s long-term vision to create a Southern European media hub with greater scale and operational synergies.”
In a separate filing, Impresa confirmed that the Balsemão family will remain a shareholder and collaborate with MFE on strategic initiatives. The company emphasized that the deal “represents a recognition of the value and leadership of the SIC group and its journalistic independence.”
While the Portuguese Competition Authority and other regulators must still approve the deal, MFE’s move reflects broader industry trends where regional consolidation is being pursued as an alternative to large-scale global M&A.
Earlier in 2025, MFE completed the integration of Mediaset España, boosting its Spanish footprint and reinforcing its strategy of operational convergence across borders.
The Impresa stake acquisition also positions MFE to benefit from growing advertising and subscription revenues in Portugal. SIC remains a leader in free-to-air broadcasting, particularly in news and entertainment segments, and has shown consistent audience share growth.
With this deal, MFE signals that mid-market European media groups can achieve cross-market influence by deepening regional ties, rather than pursuing risky global expansion.
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