Media buying firm Aegis has confirmed that preliminary discussions over merger possibilities have been held with “more than one” potential bidder, casting further doubt French firm Publicis’ chance of success in securing a swift takeover proposition. Aegis, which owns media buying firms Carat and Vizeum, said in a statement this morning that “representatives and advisers… Continue reading Aegis Confirms Rival Bids For Takeover

WPP has joined the growing list of businesses interested in acquiring media buying group Aegis, with the company reportedly considering a bid for the British firm’s research arm. Meanwhile, French entrepreneur Vincent Bollore has further increased his stake in the company, fanning the flames of speculation surrounding his intentions, and securing 12.63% of the firm… Continue reading Bollore Raises Stakes As WPP Shows Interest In Aegis

Aegis has acquired Hungary’s leading digital agency, Kirowski Rt; for a total cash consideration of up to €10 million, payable over four years. Kirowski will become part of the media communications company’s digital network, Isobar, bringing with it an impressive client list, including, Hungarian Telekom MOL Group, Nestle and Renault. The agency provides clients with… Continue reading Aegis Extends Digital Reach In Europe

French entrepreneur Vincent Bollore has again increased his stake in media communications business, Aegis, raising his share in the company to 11.4% over the weekend to make him the firm’s largest stakeholder. The move adds fuel to industry speculation that Bollore is planning a take-over bid for Aegis, after he began increasing his share in… Continue reading Bollore Increases Aegis Stake To 11.4%

News Corporation has sold its TSL Education division to Exponent Equity for £235 million, marking the first disposal of owner Rupert Murdoch’s newspaper titles since he entered the market 36 years ago. The deal will see News International continue to print and distribute The Times Educational Supplement and the Times Higher Supplement, with the sale… Continue reading Murdoch Sells TSL Education

Almost 12 million people in the US have access to broadband at home, however, many of those do not use the internet actively, according to a new study from Nielsen//NetRatings. In the seven months between January and August 2005, Nielsen//NetRatings show the percentage of people in the US who have access to broadband reached 42%,… Continue reading Broadband Access In The US Reaches 42%

In-game advertising is proving popular with advertisers, with computer games featuring the technology seeing a 60% increase in awareness of products, according to a joint study by Nielsen Interactive Services and Double Fusion. The study of downloadable game London Taxi, found that out of 900 players tested, half of users claimed that in-game advertisements made… Continue reading In-Game Advertising Increases Product Awareness By 60%

Xfm, the London-based indie music station owned by GCap Media, has denied reports that drivetime DJ Lauren Laverne is to host its Breakfast Show following the departure of Christian O’Connell.A spokeswoman for the station said: “The story this afternoon hasn’t come from us. No such appointment has been made, although we do hope to make… Continue reading Xfm Denies Laverne To Take Breakfast Slot

Cable giants Telewest and ntl have this morning announced their long-awaited merger, designed to present a more united threat to multi channel dominant Sky, and ease the companies’ individual financial woes.The new business, which is valued at around $6 billion, will command a subscriber base of almost 5 million pay TV and broadband subscribers. This… Continue reading Cable Giants Tie Up To Tackle Sky

Rupert Murdoch’s News International has offloaded its subsidiary firm TSL Education, publisher of the Times Educational Supplement, in a deal worth £235 million.The company has been sold to Exponent Private Equity following a lengthy bidding process involving Emap and Guardian Media GroupAmongst the properties now owned by Exponent Private Equity are The Times Educational Supplement,… Continue reading Murdoch Sells Education Titles For £235 Million