I Squared Capital has formed a partnership with Blackstone Inc. to explore a potential acquisition of the core advertising business of Ströer SE, according to people familiar with the matter. The advanced discussions, which have taken place in recent weeks, focus on Ströer’s advertising unit that includes both out-of-home advertising and associated digital content operations.
The renewed approach by I Squared, this time in collaboration with Blackstone, follows I Squared’s decision to step back from an earlier pursuit in January. Since that earlier effort, Ströer’s share price has declined, leaving the company with an implied market value of roughly 2 billion (about $2.3 billion).
Sources say Str f6er management - notably Co-Chief Executive Officer Udo Mueller, who is the firm’s largest shareholder - could seek a price near 3.5 billion or above specifically for the out-of-home advertising unit in any transaction. That potential asking price would represent a meaningful premium relative to the companys total market capitalization following the recent share weakness.
At present, I Squared and Blackstone have not finalized the mechanics or scope of an offer. The firms remain undecided on whether to bid solely for the advertising division or to mount a proposal for the entire Str f6er group instead. Those strategic choices - unit sale versus full-company bid - remain open as talks continue.
The discussions reported to have occurred in recent weeks do not yet reflect a concluded transaction, and the involved parties have not announced any formal proposal. The possible outcomes range from a targeted acquisition of the out-of-home and digital operations to a broader offer covering all of Str f6ers assets.
Given the current status of the deliberations, observers should expect continued uncertainty on timing, price, and deal structure until either a formal bid is filed or the interested parties make a definitive announcement.
Summary
I Squared Capital and Blackstone are reportedly in talks to put forward an offer for Str f6er SEs core advertising business, a unit that combines out-of-home advertising with digital content operations. The approach comes after I Squared earlier withdrew from a pursuit in January. Str f6ers market capitalization has declined to roughly 2 billion ($2.3 billion), while management could seek about 3.5 billion or more for the out-of-home unit. The private equity pair has not decided whether to target the unit alone or make an offer for the whole company.
Key points
- I Squared Capital is collaborating with Blackstone on a potential bid for Str f6ers advertising unit, with talks held in recent weeks - sectors impacted: private equity, media, advertising.
- Str f6ers share decline has reduced its market value to about 2 billion ($2.3 billion), while management may seek 3.5 billion or more for the out-of-home division - markets affected: equities, M&A valuations.
- The bidders have not determined the structure of any proposal and could opt to pursue all of Str f6er instead of only the advertising unit - implications for deal-making and corporate strategy.
Risks and uncertainties
- Valuation gap - Managements potential asking price of about 3.5 billion or higher for the out-of-home unit could exceed market-implied values, creating negotiation risk - sectors impacted: M&A and media valuations.
- Structural uncertainty - The bidders have not decided whether to target the unit or the entire company, which leaves transaction scope and financing needs unsettled - sectors impacted: private equity, corporate finance.
- Outcome uncertainty - Talks are ongoing and no formal offer has been announced; discussions may not result in a transaction - markets affected: Str f6er equity holders and the advertising sector.