Effectively November 1, 2010, Ringier Axel Springer Media AG, a leading multimedia company in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), gets visible as a new media brand in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Serbia. Founded in July 2010 the company has set up organizational structures and integral requirements for all subsidiaries in the last months and now enters the regional markets as a new brand. Ringier Axel Springer Media AG bundles the international activities of Swiss Ringier AG and German Axel Springer AG in five countries: Beyond the Polish, Czech, Slovakian and Serbian subsidiaries, it is planned that Hungary will join the multinational joint venture, subject to approval of the relevant antitrust authorities. 

Florian Fels, CEO Ringier Axel Springer Media AG: “Bringing together the expertise and strength of Ringier and Axel Springer by getting operative in most of our CEE markets, Ringier Axel Springer Media becomes the first address for employees and customers in terms of effective targeting and monetization via market leading, innovative media brands.” 

Ringier Axel Springer Media AG extends the strong position of Ringier and Axel Springer substantially in these growth markets, with more than 100 print titles and more than 70 online offerings. Based on strong and successful media brands like FAKT, BLESK, NOVÝ CAS and BLIC, Ringier Axel Springer Media AG is a dynamic association of independent enterprises. Focused on growth and digitization, the wide-ranging portfolio makes Ringier Axel Springer Media AG the region’s market leader in the segment of widely circulated tabloid dailies and one of the biggest magazine publishers. 

Florian Fels: “With completing the integration process of the former Ringier and Axel Springer divisions to the new subsidiaries of Ringier Axel Springer Media AG, we are now joining a dynamic association of independent enterprises. A national approach in the CEE countries together with various economies of scope arising from other joint venture markets, provide customers and employees of Ringier Axel Springer Media AG with a unique portfolio of strong brands and the clear objective of digitization and expansion.

Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Ringier Axel Springer Media AG is the leading media company operating in Central and Eastern Europe with revenues of EUR 414 million, an EBITDA of EUR 62 million and about 4,800 employees. 

Ringier Axel Springer Media AG 

This press release can be viewed at www.ringieraxelspringer.com