DUBAI: Ströer Group, Europe's 3rd largest Out-of home (OOH) Media Company and Arab Media Group (AMG), the regional media giant, announced a merger between Ströer Concept Outdoor (SCO) and Shoof, LLC; AMG's outdoor advertising arm. The merger shall result in the creation of Ströer Concept Shoof, a new entity with the combined strengths, experience, technology and assets from both parent companies making it one of the country's leading OOH media company.
The partnership will allow the formed entity to benefit from Ströer Group's 142 years of experience in transit media, street furniture, a fully functional R&D team coupled with Ströer Concept's & Shoof's in-depth understanding of local markets.
Ströer Concept Outdoor and Shoof had previously joined hands to bid for the out of home media contract for the Dubai Metro.
The German based Ströer Group sells advertising displays in twelve countries across the world, and made its entrance to Middle East region through Ströer Concept Outdoor of UAE in September 2007. Ströer Group offers over 230,000 advertising faces in Germany alone making it the largest supplier of Out-of-Home Media in the country. Additionally Ströer is also No. 1 in Turkey and has the distinction of being the sixteen fold winner of the 'iF Award' and five time winner of the 'red dot' design award, both awards proving Ströer's outstanding competence for public design.
Arab Media Group (AMG) was founded in March 2005 and is the largest media organization in the UAE. Its business interests include nine radio stations, three newspapers, television, online, distribution, printing, events management and outdoor advertising. Its most recent ventures are the launch of MTV Arabia, Virgin Radio, Nickelodeon Arabia and Noor Dubai TV.
Shoof LLC which was founded in 2005 has within a short period of time built up a sizable inventory of prestigious Out of Home media assets.
Commenting on the merger, Abdul Latif Al Sayegh, CEO, AMG, said: "This merger exemplifies our commitment towards the region's OOH media industry. It is the combination of strengths, experience and expertise that will enable us to attain and even exceed international standards. With Ströer's 142 years of experience in out of home media and a very impressive track record, we believe this is a step in the right direction"
"Our alliance with Concept Outdoor was the first step towards realizing the potential of the region's OOH industry. Together with Shoof we intend to mark STROER CONCEPT SHOOF as the region's most successful OOH media company by offering world class street furniture design and media solutions to our clients and partners", said Udo Mueller, President & CEO, Ströer.
"This merger shall offer value addition to clients in the form of enhanced networks, pricing structures and measurability stats. The alignment of the two industry leaders will result in campaignable opportunities for clients, that along with other elements will by and large assist the regulation and development of the country's OOH industry," said Aldrin Fernandes, Chairman of the Concept Group. "This is indeed a turning point in the regions outdoor industry, and through our combined expertise we intend to venture into other parts of the GCC & Middle East," he added.
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About Ströer Concept Outdoor
Ströer Concept Outdoor (SCO) is the leading international provider of innovative Out of home advertising solutions. With its aggressive strategy of utilising Dubai's public transport buses as a powerful medium for advertising, it positioned the company as the sole media concessionaries for the Roads & Transport Authority's buses & abras.
The company owns numerous static locations including billboards and building wrap opportunities, in some of the most prime parts of the country. The company's transit media division is the first to introduce MVB - Mobile Video boards and is the only Ooh solutions company to offer interactive LED screens in the UAE. The company's innovative expansion plans include exclusive agreement with Emirates Post, a joint venture agreement with Arab Media Group for the Dubai Metro and Bur Juman Mall parking area.
About Shoof Outdoor
Shoof, the outdoor advertising wing of Arab Media Group was founded in 2005 with the aim of becoming the leading provider of innovative and exclusive out-of-home advertising opportunities across the region. The company's services cover a multitude of advertising options ranging from billboard advertising, lamppost and bridge advertising to customised 3D solutions.
Shoof already has a number of advertising locations spread across the UAE, including spots on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City.
© Press Release 2008
