STOCKHOLM, July 21 (Reuters) – Swedish media group Viaplay Group (VPLAYb.ST) on Thursday reported a 69% rise in subscribers in the second quarter as it expanded to more countries and bought football-focused TV channel Premier Sports in Britain.
Viaplay, which competes with bigger rivals Netflix (NFLX.O) and Disney+ (DIS.N), said the number of paying subscribers rose to 5.55 million in the quarter.
Adjusted operating income fell to 132 million Swedish crowns ($12.93 million) compared with 244 million a year ago as costs related to the group’s expansion rose.
Premier Sports Premie operates sports streaming service and TV channels in Britain, holding the rights there for events such as Spanish La Liga football, rugby and motorsport.
($1 = 10.2117 Swedish crowns)
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Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm; editing by Niklas Pollard
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