The deal sees Arqiva add Global's 63% share to the 37% it already owned. The national platform carries radio stations including Classic FM, Absolute Radio, talkSPORT and Planet Rock.

Arqiva also take full ownership of Now Digital, the company that operates Global's local digital radio multiplexes. Global will continue to broadcast its stations on both Digital One and Now Digital.

Arqiva director of radio Paul Eaton says, "Digital One has always played a leading role in the development of DAB ...