BUSINESS / NEWS 12 www.signlink.co.uk signlink signlink signlinkmagazine Issue 257 - February / March 2025 Bauer Media acquires Clear Channel Europe in £512m deal Media conglomerate, Bauer Media Group, has announced that it will acquire out-of-home (OOH) advertising firm, Clear Channel Europe, in a deal worth a reported for $625m (£512m). The purchase of the UK-headquartered company, which is expected to close in 2025 subject to regulatory approvals, will significantly extend Bauer Media’s European OOH coverage. Clear Channel Europe’s OOH infrastructure spans 13 national markets with more than 100,000 advertising spaces and 1,600 dedicated employees. This includes seven markets where Bauer Media already has an established presence as well as five new markets for the company. The transaction was also reportedly made to enhance Bauer Media’s growing digital out-of-home (DOOH) market offering. Clear Channel’s UK network includes a significant DOOH offering as its Adshel Live digital network includes over 3,500 screens, positioning it as the UK’s largest DOOH network. The purchase will also include the purchase of 200 magazine brands and 150 audio brands from Clear Channel. According to Bauer Media, joining the two companies’ offerings will enable Bauer to reach a combined 350 million consumers. Commenting on the purchase, Yvonne Bauer, chair of the Bauer Media board, says: “The acquisition of Clear Channel Europe represents a pivotal step in advancing our group’s refocused strategy. “By enhancing our core media and related businesses while investing in our digital transformation, this move broadens our capabilities and strengthens our position as a major player in the highly competitive media industry.” Signs Now reports major success in 2024 UK sign-maker, Signs Now UK, has announced plans for further growth and expansion in 2025, on the back of a reported successful 2024. The company which first launched at its Wolverhampton headquarters in 1997 now employs 22 members of staff. It provides external and internal signage for a range of sectors including schools, retail, hospitality, facilities, healthcare, and offices. Its clients include the NHS and the Hilton and Crowne Plaza hotel chains. The company carried out a range of largescale projects in 2024, which reportedly led to a strong financial performance. According to the company, December 2024 was its busiest month for orders, with a range of new orders coming in for 2025. Speaking of the company’s success, Signs Now managing director, Bill Dunphy, says: “Our financial performance for 2024 was strong thanks to the team delivering on a series of large-scale projects.” By Jonathan Pert GoCustom opens new offices in Covent Garden Apparel printer, GoCustom Clothing, has expanded its operations with the opening of a new facility in Central London. The central London facility will operate alongside GoCustom’s factory in Ludlow, Shropshire. The company aims for the offices to enhance its service offerings by bringing its facilities closer to its core customer base. The new offices, located in Covent Garden, have been purchased in response to growing customer numbers in London and South East England. GoCustom has also announced that it will be expanding its business development team, in response to increased demand for its apparel print offerings. The expansion has been made with the aim of allowing GoCustom to support more brands looking to elevate their options in personalised clothing. The company recently expanded its production capacity with the installation of new machines at its Ludlow factory, installing an additional Kornit Atlas Max digital printer to work alongside its other Kornit machines. Originally formed in 1996, GoCustom remains a family-owned and run business, part of the Kingfisher Leisurewear group. Spandex enters reflective market Graphics and signage solutions provider, Spandex, has announced the acquisition of UK distributor, Lakeside Group. This acquisition represents Spandex's strategic entry into the emerging reflective solutions market, which according to the company is poised for significant growth in the short- to medium-term. Clevedon-based Lakeside Group has operated for 15 years on the market, with a product portfolio that includes reflective solutions for street signage, license plates, street furniture, and vehicle livery, as well as anti-graffiti coatings, dew-reducing films, and UV protective materials. As part of the deal, Scott Horne will continue in his role as managing director of Lakeside Group, which will operate independently in the immediate term as part of the Spandex family. Spandex also recently expanded its vehicle wrap product line by introducing the KPMF VWS IV series of cast PVC films. The new wrap film range, made in partnership with Kay Premium Marking Films (KPMF), includes over 100 colour options available in gloss, matte, metallic, and standard colours. By Jonathan Pert The purchase is a significant step into OOH for Bauer, with its previous focus offerings chiefly focusing on publishing, radio, and podcasts The new central London offices will operate alongside GoCustom’s Ludlow factory headquarters and its European export office in Madrid, Spain Signs Now UK has provided signage for Premier League football teams
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