According to origo.hu, the rumor was confirmed by both Gerkens and Vajna. Early today Vajna, who made his name producing Hollywood films, was confirmed as the buyer of TV2 Group, which consists of four television channels.
In a surprise twist, a report later this evening put Vanjaʼs purchase into question.
RTL Klub and TV2 are the two biggest competitors among commercial channels in Hungary. Gerkens left RTL Klub in March after speculation earlier this year that RTL Group might agree to replace Gerkens if the government agreed to lower the advertising tax.
The government later proposed a new, lower tax, and RTL Group also announced that Gerkens would be assigned to a position outside of Hungary, but both the government and the TV station denied that a deal was made.
Under Gerkens’ leadership since 2001, RTL became the leading TV channel in Hungary. Gerkens was supposed to continue to work for German RTL Group in a senior executive position, according to reports in March.
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