The Croatian competition authority, AZTN, has granted approval for the merger involving Telegram Media Group d.o.o. and multiple radio publishers, including Media Stop d.o.o., Zagrebački radio Plavi 9 d.o.o., Gradski radio d.o.o., and Radio Trsat d.o.o.

This merger results in Telegram Media Group acquiring a 75% stake in each of the target companies, thereby establishing direct control as defined under Croatian competition law.

The complete merger application was submitted on February 26, 2026, and a public call for comments was issued by AZTN on March 3, 2026. The authority received one submission from a third party, which did not provide significant insights affecting the merger's competitive impact.

The merger is expected to influence the radio and radio advertising markets in Croatia, particularly in Zagreb, Osijek, and Primorsko-goranska County, where the target companies operate.

Telegram Media Group, primarily active in electronic publications and advertising, is entering these markets for the first time, and there is no horizontal overlap or vertical connection with existing competitors.

AZTN concluded that the merger would not significantly affect competition in the relevant markets and does not create or strengthen a dominant position, thus not constituting a prohibited concentration under Croatian law.