RTL to acquire smartclip

Download: Press Release

Investment in online video advertising sales

Cologne, 21 March 2016 – Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland will make an important step in implementing its strategy to strengthen its position as a major sales house for video advertising, by acquiring smartclip, one of the most innovative companies in the rapidly growing market of online video advertising. Signing an agreement with the current shareholders of smartclip, Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland will acquire a 93.75 per cent shareholding in smartclip, with a call option to acquire the remaining shares.

Founded in 2008, smartclip bundles the online video advertising inventory of 700 publishers worldwide, and manages the integration and serving of video advertising to all internet-connected devices. As a strong sales house and technological innovator, smartclip also creates solutions for Connected TV and multiscreen advertising. smartclip complements RTL Group’s investments in digital advertising sales, including in particular SpotX, one of the world’s leading platforms for programmatic online video advertising.

Anke Schäferkordt, CEO of Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland: “The acquisition of smartclip will significantly strengthen our position as a major sales house for video advertising. In Germany the reach of our portfolio, and thus our advertising inventory, will grow substantially with this acquisition. At the same time it will strengthen our technological capabilities in Europe and offers opportunities globally for innovation in cooperation with SpotX.”

Matthias Dang, Managing Director of IP Deutschland, Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland’s advertising sales house: “smartclip will move us forward on two fronts: online video reach and technology. Together we will grow our share in a market that will double by 2020, according to forecasts.”

Jean-Pierre Fumagalli, CEO of smartclip, who will continue leading the company: “Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland is clearly our partner of choice – and we are looking forward to jointly developing the dynamic market for online video advertising sales with our innovative solutions and services.”

Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland will acquire smartclip’s businesses in Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and Italy. smartclip’s businesses in Spain and Latin America are not part of the transaction, but will continue to license smartclip’s technology and brand. The purchase price for Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland’s 93.75 per cent shareholding in smartclip is €46.9 million. The transaction is subject to approval from Germany’s Federal Cartel Office.

Anke Schäferkordt: “With the acquisition of smartclip we significantly expand our capabilities in digital advertising sales and thus complement our growth strategy.”