Jean-Charles Decaux, who heads up Europe’s leading outdoor media company, has hinted at a move for rival group Maiden in a bid to increase his firm’s influence in the UK.
JCDecaux has been hit by the general downturn in outdoor advertising and last month revealed that third quarter revenues were down 0.9% at E357 million (see
Advertising Conditions To ‘Remain Tight’, Says JCDecaux). Maiden has also had a difficult year (see
Maiden Pushed Into Red By Tough First Half) during which its share price has fallen by more than 20%. Nonetheless, its market value is estimated at £119 million.
“Maiden is the last independent company in its market and a possibility of external growth for us,” Decaux said. “It’s one opportunity to gain market share.”
