The latest deal in the wave of major consolidations that are taking place in the outdoor media world (OOH) sees QMS merging its Kiwi out of home business with MediaWorks, New Zealand’s leading independent radio, TV and digital business.
The deal, which is expected to complete in Q2 next year, will create New Zealand's biggest media business. The new business will be 60 per cent owned by Media Works owner US hedge fund Oaktree Capital, and 40 per cent by QMS.
The OOH market has already seen the top four players become two this year, huge sums are being invested, with JCDecaux buying APN Outdoor for $1.12bn, and oOh!media spending $570m acquiring Adshel from APN Outdoor – now known as Here, There & Everywhere (HT&E).
The booming outdoor media market is growing across all sectors, and while digital signage is now responsible for more than 50 per cent of the revenue for the first time the revenue from print signage (also known as classic, or static) is also still growing.
QMS owns print house Omnigraphics NZ which it says produces most of the billboards, banners, bus, vehicle, street furniture and truck imaging in New Zealand. It also owns MMT Print and project management company BMG.
According to QMS Media, the new merged group will deliver ‘compelling value’ to advertisers, through a broader sales network and cross-platform revenue synergies.
Jack Matthews, chairman of MediaWorks, said the merger 'will represent a significant investment in and commitment to New Zealand.'
QMS has also just completed its purchase of sports signage company TGI Corp and TGI Europe, which provide LED signage at major sporting events.