Modern Times Mtg : MTG enters European Media Alliance to grow digital business
October 15, 2014 at 11:52 am EDT
Share
MTG forms an alliance with several other European media companies, including ProSiebenSat1, Channel 4, and TF1, to identify investment opportunities in new digital businesses. This new media alliance creates a unique opportunity for startups who are looking to expand geographically. For MTG, this alliance will provide access to exciting investment opportunities in the digital space, through primarily media for equity or revenue arrangements.
The alliance creates a strong pan-European footprint that enables its members to invest in consumer-focused digital start-ups, such as classifieds, social media, e-commerce, and marketing companies that are looking to expand their geographical footprint. In return, the alliance members will provide the digital start-ups with certain volumes of advertising media.
MTG has a strong track record of using its powerful combined online and offline reach to build up successful international consumer brands such as CDON and Nelly.
With linear and online presence in Scandinavia, the Baltics, Czech Republic, Hungary and Bulgaria, MTG is joined in this alliance by founding members ProSiebenSat1 (Germany), Channel4 (UK), TF1 (France), Dogan TV (Turkey) and TVN (Poland). Discussions with further potential members are ongoing.
"MTG has always been at the forefront of digital development, and working together with ProSieben and others will further accelerate the strong growth we already have in this space. We have done several media for equity deals over the years and know that they can be a very effective way to both accelerate the growth of these businesses and create shareholder value for MTG."
Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, MTG President and CEO
The alliance will operate on a non-committal referral basis, whereby members will refer investment opportunities to each other, and decide independently on a case by case basis whether an investment will be made and at what level.
Modern Times Group MTG AB is a Sweden-based entertainment company. The Company operates in two segments: Esport and Gaming. The Esport segment is made up of ESL, Dreamhack and MTG VC-fundâs investments in esport related companies. Through ESL and Dreamhack,the Company operates national and international tournaments as well as grassroots amatuer cups, leagues and festivals. The Gaming segment is made up of InnoGames, Kongregate and MTG VC-fundâs investment in gaming-related companies. InnoGames is publisher of mobile and on-line games. InnoGamesâ complete portfolio encompasses seven live games and several mobile titles in production. InnoGames is focused on the free-to-play segment and provides players with a cross-platform experience on PC and mobile devices. Kongregate is mobile game publisher and developer. The Company operates worldwide.