Outdoor giants merge to form Stroer Concept Shoof

The merger shall result in the creation of Stroer Concept Shoof, a new entity with the combined strengths, experience, technology and assets from both parent companies making it one of the country's leading OOH media company.

The partnership will allow the formed entity to benefit from Stroer Group's 142 years of experience in transit media, street furniture, a fully functional R&D team coupled with Stroer Concept's & Shoof's in-depth understanding of local markets.

Stroer Concept Outdoor and Shoof had previously joined hands to bid for the out of home media contract for the Dubai Metro.

The German based Stroer Group sells advertising displays in twelve countries across the world, and made its entrance to Middle East region through Stroer Concept Outdoor of UAE in September 2007. Stroer Group offers over 230,000 advertising faces in Germany alone making it the largest supplier of Out-of-Home Media in the country. Additionally Stroer is also No. 1 in Turkey and has the distinction of being the sixteen fold winner of the 'iF Award' and five time winner of the 'red dot' design award, both awards proving Stroöer's outstanding competence for public design.

Arab Media Group (AMG) was founded in March 2005 and is the largest media organization in the UAE. Its business interests include nine radio stations, three newspapers, television, online, distribution, printing, events management and outdoor advertising. Its most recent ventures are the launch of MTV Arabia, Virgin Radio, Nickelodeon Arabia and Noor Dubai TV.

Shoof LLC which was founded in 2005 has within a short period of time built up a sizable inventory of prestigious Out of Home media assets.

Commenting on the merger, Abdul Latif Al Sayegh, CEO, AMG, said:

"This merger exemplifies our commitment towards the region's OOH media industry. It is the combination of strengths, experience and expertise that will enable us to attain and even exceed international standards. With Ströer's 142 years of experience in out of home media and a very impressive track record, we believe this is a step in the right direction."

Udo Mueller, President & CEO, Stroer, said:

"Our alliance with Concept Outdoor was the first step towards realizing the potential of the region's OOH industry. Together with Shoof we intend to mark STROER CONCEPT SHOOF as the region's most successful OOH media company by offering world class street furniture design and media solutions to our clients and partners."

Aldrin Fernandes, Chairman of the Concept Group, said:

"This merger shall offer value addition to clients in the form of enhanced networks, pricing structures and measurability stats. The alignment of the two industry leaders will result in campaignable opportunities for clients, that along with other elements will by and large assist the regulation and development of the country's OOH industry."

"This is indeed a turning point in the regions outdoor industry, and through our combined expertise we intend to venture into other parts of the GCC & Middle East," he added.