German insiders are looking with interest at both investments by the New Yorkers, who, with annual sales of 167 billion dollars, can buy a lot if they get their chance. And they could - in a few years - be merged: Springer and the entertainment business, which operates under the name Leonine. Then, if a powerhouse is created in Munich, the investment model would change again.
Springer has shown now and in the past that it is no longer relying on print. Titles such as HörZu were sold early on, and editorial departments are no longer equipped as they were in the past. According to lebanon rcs data KKR Germany boss Johannes Huth, the aim is to become the world market leader in the digital classifieds business through acquisitions. "After the transaction has been completed, we will look at what is on the market," he announced in an interview with the Süddeutsche Zeitung in September . Now the company has its sights set on Autoscout24, with the purchase price expected to be well over 2 billion.
The development in Munich is good for the national and international entertainment business. The Leonine people in Munich know how it works and now have money that is often difficult to get in this area. However, Springer-KKR will have to buy in a tough competitive environment. Because there is not only KKR - the colleagues at Carlyle and other US giants are well positioned and fast. So even with a lot of money at Springer there is no guarantee that you will get what you want. New times at Springer. What new times.