The Saudi Research and Marketing Group is the holding company of a vertically integrated publishing, printing, distribution and advertising business based in Saudi Arabia.
The
Saudi Research and Publishing CompanySaudi Research and Publishing Company
is one of SRMG's three main subsidiaries. It produces 15 daily, weekly or monthly news, business and society publications in Arabic, English, Urdu and Malayalem, with a global readership of 180 million. Company newspapers include the flagship pan-Arab daily, Asharq Alawsat, based in London, Arab News, AL-Eqtissadia and AL-Riyadia. Magazines include Al-Majalla, Sayyidati and Al- Rajul. Shuaa Capital considers SRPC to be the largest single publisher in Saudi Arabia, with an aggregate market share of 46.1%, as of 2005.
The publishing sector incorporates the group's local and international research and marketing operations, which include sister companies
Al Khaleejia Advertising and Public Relations CompanyAl Khaleejia Advertising and Public Relations Company
, the Arab Media Company and other media sales and advertising operations.
The first among the group's subsidiaries to be established was the
Saudi Printing and Packaging CompanySaudi Printing and Packaging Company
. It was launched in 1963 under the name Madina Printing and Publishing Company, and as of 2007, it is considered one of the largest printing companies in the MENA region. SPPC prints newspapers, magazines, books and journals targeting various segments of the Arab region, in several languages. The company also offers pre-press and design, print finishing, binding and packaging services.
The
Saudi Distribution CompanySaudi Distribution Company
, another group subsidiary was created in 1983 to distribute SRPC and third-party newspapers, magazines, phone cards and books to local, regional and international markets. SDC had a 700-vehicle capacity in 2005 and 22 branches to distribute about 1.5 million copies and over 800 titles to 15,000 points-of-sale in Saudi Arabia. SDC also has a subsidiary in Kuwait and sub-contracts to around 20 distribution agents worldwide.
Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chairs the board of SRMG, which underwent an IPO in May 2006, raising USD295 million for 30% of its shares on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).
SRMG's goals are to invest in upstream businesses, acquire new media platforms and creating strategic media alliances and expand by launching new publications and services.