Multiply Group, an Abu Dhabi-based investment holding company, has signed a binding commitment to acquire a 55 per cent majority stake in Media 247, one of the leading UAE outdoor advertising companies, for approximately Dhs184 million.

Media 247 assets include over 45 exclusive outdoor premium hoardings, unipoles and 3D structures spread across Dubai’s most strategic locations. The company offers media management, printing and special projects services and has sustained long-standing relationships with the most reputable advertisers and agencies both locally and internationally. Media 247 also provides transit media solutions such as vehicle wraps across Dubai’s largest taxi fleet, RTA’s red top taxis, and Dubai’s RTA airport taxis.

The investment in Media 247 falls under the buy and build vertical strategy of acquiring profitable companies, creating portfolio-wide synergies, investing in bolt-on acquisitions, augmenting scalability and enhancing their margins.

Jawad Hassan, Head of Media and Communications vertical at Multiply Group, commented, “Our commitment to invest in Media 247 reflects our focus on the growth of Multiply Group’s Media and Communications vertical and the consolidation of assets in the out-of-home media space. Media 247 is a well-established out-of-home media company that shares our philosophy of growth. Together, we will be focusing on growing the company both organically and inorganically. With its excellent inventory across Dubai, we are confident that we can leverage our combined expertise and resources to identify acquisitions, creating a stronger and more competitive business.”

Media 247 has a solid track record with an excellent historical performance in both top-line and profitability and has proven to be resilient in difficult times like the pandemic.

“As we have reached the final stages of the agreement and the few points to be finalised, we are confident in the discipline of the management team to get this deal over the finish line” Hassan added.

Rafiq Abu Hijleh, Founder and President at Media 247, commented: “We are delighted to join hands with one of the UAE’s largest and fastest growing holding companies. This marks a significant milestone in Media 247’s journey since 2005 to provide only the best exclusive outdoor media solutions. Our company was already on a fast track to achieve our objectives with rapid growth, and this partnership will enable us to further widen our offerings to meet and exceed our clients’ reach expectations and broaden our network in the UAE and beyond.”

Multiply Group has been deploying capital across its two distinct arms: Multiply and Multiply+. Multiply operates and invests in four current verticals (Mobility, Energy and Utilities, Media and Communications, and Beauty and Wellness), while Multiply+, its sector-agnostic and opportunistic investment arm, looks to target double-digit returns across several asset classes.

Deal completion is subject to regulatory conditions and approvals.

Multiply Group reported Dhs18.56 billion in net profit for 2022, driven by the strong performance of the Group’s investments and growth in its operating portfolio.

Despite several global headwinds, most of its subsidiaries showed growth in operating profits in 2022, highlighting the strength of these businesses and the resilience of their industries. For example, Emirates Driving Company (EDC) grew by 51 per cent; Viola Communications grew by 203 percent, supported by Post-COVID-19 spending on events and out-of-home media and the growth of the economy; and Omorfia Group grew by 47 per cent.

The Group deployed more than Dhs12 billion in 2022, making strategic investments in dynamic and healthy businesses across high-growth thematic industries such as energy, including in Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and International Energy Holding (IEH). At the same time, these businesses offer predictable, recurring income that will deliver a sustained increase in shareholder value.

In addition, Multiply Group was added to several indices, including MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which enhances its position on the global benchmark investing map and is expected to attract substantial investment inflows. The Group has also been attracting and recruiting talent with the capital market and investment banking expertise. Most recently, it was recognised as a Great Place to Work by the global authority on corporate culture.

Looking ahead, with a liquidity position of Dhs34.97 billion in liquid assets and Dhs1.03 billion in cash and bank balances, moderate debt, a global network of deal origination partners, and while building an in-house team of vertical experts, Multiply Group will continue to capitalise on market trends and remains in a strong position to carry on with its strategy of investing in transformative, cash-generating businesses that are exploring new revenue models in transitioning industries.