Ireland’s TV3 buys Channel 6

TV3, the Irish terrestrial commercial television channel owned by private equity firm Doughty Hanson, is to acquire Channel 6, a free-to-air Irish digital televsion channel.

Launched in 2006, Channel 6 is the Republic of Ireland’s only non-subscription domestic digital channel. It was sold to TV3 by a consortium of investors.

Doughty Hanson bought TV3 in 2006 for €265m. The business was formally owned by CanWest, ITV and a number of private backers. Under Doughty’s stewardship, revenues at TV3 reached €62.4m in 2007.

“The acquisition of Channel 6 consolidates TV3’s position as Ireland’s leading commercial broadcaster. Channel 6’s programme inventory, distribution and listings provide a fast route to TV3’s stated intention to be a multichannel Irish content provider. We look forward to working closely with the Government and the regulators to ensure a strong, indigenous commercial television sector,” said David McRedmond, chief executive of TV3.