In This Article:
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Axel Springer becomes a family-owned transatlantic media company
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KKR and CPP Investments become majority shareholders of the classifieds businesses
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Julian Deutz appointed new CEO of AS Classifieds GmbH
BERLIN, April 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Axel Springer SE ("Axel Springer") has implemented a new corporate structure as previously announced in September 2024. It has become effective by April, 29th 2025. The changes position all businesses for optimal future growth potential and success in their respective markets, strengthening Axel Springer as a transatlantic family-owned media company focused on digital journalism.
The portfolio of successful media brands in Europe and the US includes, amongst others, BILD, BUSINESS INSIDER, MORNING BREW, POLITICO and WELT as well as, in the context of the joint venture operated together with Ringier Axel Springer in Poland, FAKT, FORBES, NEWSWEEK and ONET. It also comprises the marketing companies Bonial and Idealo, as well as Awin, and the digital research company Emarketer.
KKR, through investment vehicles controlled by investment funds advised and managed by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. and its affiliates, and CPP Investments are divesting their shares in Axel Springer. Under the new structure, The Stepstone Group, one of the world's leading recruiting platforms, and AVIV, a leading European real estate platform, will operate as independent joint venture companies with KKR and CPP Investments as majority owners. Axel Springer will continue to be involved as a minority shareholder holding ten percent in both classifieds companies, thus benefiting from further value appreciation.
Following the transaction, Axel Springer is now a debt-free, family-owned media company for the first time since 1985. Its primary shareholders are Friede Springer and Mathias Döpfner, who together hold 95 percent of the shares. The remaining shares are owned by Axel Sven Springer, a grandson of the company's founder, and the Friede Springer Foundation.
Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer, said: "The new corporate structure allows us to focus on our most important task: shaping the future of independent journalism in the free world. The company is debt-free and, for the first time since 1985, once again wholly family-owned. Thanks to the excellent cooperation with KKR in recent years, we are optimally positioned for further growth and will continue to participate in the development of the classifieds businesses through our stake."
Philipp Freise, Partner and European Co-Head of Private Equity at KKR, said: "The close partnership between Axel Springer, KKR, and CPP Investments over the past years has been a true success story. We are especially grateful to Friede Springer and Mathias Döpfner for their trust and collaboration throughout this journey, which has enabled us to guide Axel Springer back to its roots as a strong, independent, family-owned media company while positioning it ideally for the future. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and supporting the dynamic growth of Stepstone and AVIV in the years ahead."