AMG and Ströer Concept join hands to bid for Dubai Metro

The strategic alliance will result in the formation of a third entity governed by representation from both SCO and AMG as the board of directors.

The deal will allow the formed alliance to benefit from Stroer's 142 years of experience and R&D in out of home (Ooh) media and AMG's understanding of local markets, for the development of this most invaluable advertising opportunity in the emirate of Dubai.

Dubai Metro is considered the biggest driverless metro projects implemented as one unit across the world. Total cost of the two lines (Red and Green Lines) is about Dhs15bn.

A fully functional metro system will be able to carry about 1.8 million passengers every working day. This in turn will also result in the Dubai Metro becoming one of the most prized outdoor media opportunities.

"We are delighted to align with the German leader in outdoor marketing solutions for the region's most prized outdoor advertising project. Ströer has 142 years of experience in out of home media and a very impressive track record with the railway project in Germany. Through this alliance we do not only intend secure the Dubai Metro out of home media contract, but also make it the most viable project of its kind in the region,"

said Abdul Latif Al Sayegh, CEO, AMG.

"The alliance with Arab Media Group comes at a time when both companies have significantly established themselves as leaders in their own right," said Aldrin Fernandes, Chairman of the Concept Group.

"This is indeed a turning point in the regions outdoor industry, and by forging this strategic alliance with one of the leading media groups in the UAE, we will ultimately create the added value that we continuously strive to deliver with all our projects," he added.

Ströer AG, Germany's market leader in out-of-home media and principal holding company of Stroer Concept took over Deutsche Eisenbahn-Reklame GmbH (DERG) (German Railway Advertising Group) in the year 2005 making Ströer Group a specialist in railway station and transport media by adding advertising space in 6,000 railway stations, 3,670 main-line trains, 14,700 local and regional trains and 7,000 railway bridges.

"We are confident that this alliance will benefit the development of this project," said Udo Muller - CEO, Ströer. "We posed a 200% growth in two years following our acquisition of the German Railway Advertising Group, and I am confident that we will exceed our previous standards with the Dubai Metro project."

"Dubai is experiencing phenomenal economic growth and Dubai Metro project will further fuel this growth by enhancing the city's mobility while almost doubling the size of its out of home media market. We at Stoer Concept encourage and support projects that will play a role in the UAE's development and along with AMG - Shoof, we intend to make the Dubai Metro the most successful project of its kind in the region," stated Pierre Pereira, CEO, Ströer Concept.