What happened
Freenet AG has acquired the remaining 25% shareholding in Exaring AG rather than pursuing a separate IPO, taking 100% ownership of Waipu.tv—Germany’s largest independent IP-TV and Connected TV platform—along with Exaring’s 12,000-kilometer fiber-optic infrastructure. Full integration gives Freenet complete strategic control over one of the fastest-growing addressable TV and programmatic CTV inventory sources in the DACH market.
Key facts & figures
- ·Freenet increases its stake in Exaring AG from 75% to 100%, preempting a standalone IPO.
- ·Includes Germany's leading independent CTV/IP-TV platform Waipu.tv and a 12,000 km fiber network.
- ·Waipu.tv represents one of the largest programmatic CTV and FAST channel supply sources in Germany.
- ·Consolidates telco subscription relationships with addressable big-screen ad monetization.
Why it matters — our perspective
Waipu.tv has quietly become one of the most important programmatic CTV supply sources in Germany, combining live linear IP-TV streams (via dynamic ad replacement / SSAI) with a rapidly growing portfolio of FAST channels. Full ownership by Freenet simplifies governance and opens further opportunities to pair deterministic household and telco signals with programmatic CTV monetization across the DACH market.
Key questions for investors and operators
When evaluating transactions, technology stacks, or commercial partnerships in this space, we recommend looking closely at three questions:
Companies & platforms involved
German telecom and digital lifestyle group taking 100% ownership of Exaring.
Operator of Germany's leading IP-TV and programmatic CTV streaming platform.