Company:
PBL Media
Description:
Media
Sector:
IT/Media
Current/Previous:
Current
Turnover:
$1,746 million (2009)
Employees:
11,227
Acquired:
February 2007
Region/Country:
Australia
CEO:
Ian Law

In October 2006, CVC funds agreed with PBL to establish Australia’s largest diversified media group, PBL Media. The newly-established PBL Media brings together: the Nine Network, a leading television network in Australia; ACP, Australia’s largest magazine company; the online businesses ninemsn (50%), Australia’s leading internet portal, and carsales (50%), Australia’s leading online classified automotive website; and a 33.3% interest in leading 24 hour news channel Sky News.

PBL Media is Australia’s largest integrated media group with assets in free-to-air (FTA) TV, magazines, the internet and entertainment. The investment in more traditional media displays lower growth, yet the exposure to new media via the online investments provides good growth exposure.

Australia is widely regarded as one of the world’s most attractive magazine publishing markets and in ACP, PBL Media is the clear market leader with circa 55% of the share by circulation. The television business, Channel Nine, is one of only 3 commercial FTA television networks in Australia and has been the leading Australian television channel for much of its history. Furthermore, favourable industry regulation in Australia protects FTA TV’s access to some of the most valuable content, notably sports rights. Online advertising spend has increased at a CAGR of 40% over the last 5 years, benefiting PBL Media via its 50% share in ninemsn.