Ringier Digital acquires Scout24 Switzerland

Ringier Digital, a subsidiary of Ringier, acquires all shares of Scout24 International Management in Baar (new: Classifieds Business Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungs AG) and thus becomes the sole shareholder of the Scout24 Switzerland companies. Scout24 Schweiz Holding has been headquartered in Flamatt FR since 1998 and has already been 49.9 percent owned by Ringier since the end of 2007. With this significant investment in the profitable Scout24 Switzerland, Ringier is documenting its intention to further expand the Classified business as an important pillar of its digital strategy, according to a statement.

Thomas Kaiser, Chief Digital Officer Ringier and Managing Director Ringier Digital, sees clear advantages in the acquisition of the entire share capital: "Scout24 Switzerland has always been an integral part of Ringier Digital and is strongly linked operationally with the other Ringier Digital subsidiaries. With this historic step, we are consolidating the existing group of companies and laying the foundation for the next leap in growth."

Marc Walder, CEO Ringier: "This transaction is enormously important for Ringier. We have succeeded in strongly expanding our significant position in the digital classifieds market in Switzerland - i.e. jobs, real estate and automobiles."

The acquisition represents a further growth pillar for Ringier Digital. Over the past three years, Ringier Digital's average revenue growth has been 35 percent, with profitability rising sharply at the same time. With the full consolidation of Scout24 Switzerland, Ringier Digital will contribute over CHF 200 million to Ringier's total revenues in 2014.