Bauer Media expands European reach with Clear Channel Europe-North acquisition

Hamburg-based Bauer Media Group announced yesterday its agreement to acquire Clear Channel Europe-North, marking a substantial expansion of its advertising capabilities across the continent.

The transaction, announced on January 9, 2025, will add 110,000 Out of Home (OOH) advertising sites to Bauer Media's portfolio, which currently spans print, online publishing, and audio broadcasting sectors. According to company statements, the deal is expected to close later in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

The acquisition extends Bauer Media's presence to five new European markets while strengthening its position in seven countries where it already operates. The deal encompasses operations in twelve markets: the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Sweden.

Clear Channel Europe's existing leadership team will continue to manage the Out of Home operations, maintaining continuity for its 1,400 employees. The integration will enable Bauer Media to reach approximately 350 million consumers through a combined portfolio of 200 magazine brands, 150 audio brands, and the newly acquired OOH sites.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed in the announcement. LionTree Advisers served as Bauer Media's lead M&A adviser, with additional advisory services provided by Reed Smith, OOH Capital, Deloitte, and Herbert Smith Freehills.

Yvonne Bauer, Chair of the Bauer Media Board, stated: "The acquisition of Clear Channel Europe represents a pivotal step in advancing our Group's refocused strategy. By enhancing our core media and related businesses while investing in our digital transformation, this move broadens our capabilities and strengthens our position as a major player in the highly competitive media industry."

Justin Cochrane, Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Outdoor UK & Europe, noted the strong performance of their Europe-North assets, highlighting increasing market demand. According to Cochrane: "The consistent top-line performance of our Europe-North assets year-to-date underscores the growing demand in these markets and the dedication of our teams to executing for our clients and partners."

Bauer Media Group, a family-owned enterprise in its fifth generation, currently employs 12,000 people across its operations. The company sells more than 500 million copies annually across its publishing division, which includes women's magazines, celebrity publications, TV listings, and special interest titles in Germany, UK, Poland, and France.

The group's audio division reaches over 61 million weekly listeners through its 150 radio and podcast brands across nine European countries. This extensive reach demonstrates the scale of Bauer Media's operations before the addition of Clear Channel Europe's OOH advertising network.

Clear Channel Outdoor, the parent company of Clear Channel Europe-North, has operated since 1901 and maintains a significant presence in airport advertising, with programs across 260 airports globally. The company has developed expertise in digital billboards and programmatic advertising capabilities.

The transaction represents a continuation of strategic moves in the European media sector, following other recent developments including Bauer Media Audio's completion of its iRadio acquisition and WeNet's acquisition of the Semergy Group from Bauer Media in Poland.