With the sale of investments in the Czech Republic, which are primarily active in the print sector, Ringier Axel Springer Media AG is focusing on further expansion of its business in Poland, Serbia and Slovakia, where the Joint Venture already has a strong digital fundament.

Mark Dekan, CEO of Ringier Axel Springer Media AG: “In taking this step, Ringier Axel Springer Media AG will focus even stronger on its activities that already have a leading position in the digital field in their markets. I would like to thank the management and the employees in the Czech Republic for our excellent and successful co-operation in recent years. I am convinced that the employees will have very good prospects for the future under the new ownership.” 

Daniel Křetínský: “We are proud and grateful for the opportunity to take over responsibility for this great media house in whose successful future we strongly believe. We are aware of the challenges traditional printed newspapers face today and we are looking forward to the cooperation with the current management team led by Libuše Šmuclerová to find the right strategic answers and solution to them.” 

Ringier Axel Springer Czech Republic is one of the leading publishing companies in the Czech market. Its portfolio consists of print titles such as Blesk, Aha!, and Sport, as well as magazines such as Reflex, ABC, GEO, Blesk pro ženy, Blesk Hobby or Svět motorů, as well as line extensions and supplements. 

The completion of the transaction is subject to approval by the relevant antitrust authorities. Ringier Axel Springer Media AG will after the divestment of its Czech activities be active in Poland, Serbia and Slovakia, where it is the leading media company. There are further plans to bring the Hungarian activities of Ringier AG and Axel Springer SE into the joint venture.