75Media has acquired iQ OOH for an undisclosed sum.
Leeds-based OOH media owner 75Media, founded in 2021, will incorporate iQ OOH’s 81 digital panels into its portfolio, taking 75Media’s inventory to more than 500 sites nationwide, comprising over 200 digital billboards and 300 large-format classic billboards.
75Media claims to be the fastest-growing roadside network in the UK.
The company is also looking for further acquisitions and is pursuing “an ambitious organic growth strategy” with infrastructure partner Wildstone.
As part of the acquisition, all of iQ’s employees, including founders Tim de Monte and David Peters, will join 75Media, taking the enlarged company’s headcount to 35.
Opportunities in OOH
Paul Inman, managing director at 75Media, told The Media Leader that iQ was “a fantastic strategic fit” for the company’s growth plan for a few reasons.
First, historically the 75Media network had been selling to regional clients, but the company wants to go after more business with agencies.
Buying iQ, a business founded by former Primesight and Global directors, would support that shift, Inman added.
Secondly, Inman claimed that when the new digital sites are combined with its classic inventory, this made 75Media a top six media owner alongside Alight Media, Clear Channel, Global, JCDecaux and Ocean.
Finally, Inman said he felt “the time is right strategically” for the acquisition given how the OOH market is growing when many other media channels are declining.
In terms of future growth strategies, Inman said: “We are looking at other networks undeniably and we’re well-backed financially and by our infrastructure partner Wildstone.
“There is organic and inorganic growth, and we want both to get to number one. We’re not stopping here. That’s the message.”
The Fishbowl: Joel Turner, 75Media
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