Mediaquest, a leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa, has acquired AMEinfo and SMEinfo websites, two of the region’s leading portals that dispense news and information. The sites attract more than 2.4 million unique users monthly. Commercial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The agreement was signed by Alexandre Hawari, co-CEO of Mediaquest, who said, “The acquisition of both the AMEinfo and SMEinfo websites are in line with our growth strategy and commitment to strengthening the position of regional publications. We are delighted to have another feather in our business publications cap.”
Founded in the United Arab Emirates in 1993, AMEinfo offers English and Arabic information in daily news wires, editorial columns, features, reports, video and radio features, including business directory information and event listings. Powered by AMEinfo, SMEinfo is an online English resource of valuable business advice and information, interviews featuring SME role models and business growth research articles.
AMEinfo and SMEinfo were previously owned by Top Right Group, a leading B2B media group providing information services, events and subscription content to enable customers worldwide to make better business decisions. Duncan Painter, CEO, Top Right Group, said: “The AMEinfo and SMEinfo websites are successful, well regarded brands with a loyal, daily following. This sale will enable us to invest back into growth initiatives as we continue to create a platform for growth, particularly internationally. We will continue our growth focus on MEED, our leading subscription content and events business in the Middle East and other fast-growing international territories.”
Mediaquest’s acquisition of the AMEinfo and SMEinfo websites follows the launch in 2010 of Dotmena.com, Mediaquest’s premium digital platform, aimed to connect luxury brands and extend their reach to key audiences across the MENA region. Dotmena.com has rapidly established itself as the portfolio of choice for a number of advertisers and publishers.
It now represents more than 41 million unique visitors and 1 billion impressions across varied verticals, and includes Kippreport.com, Jeelnar.com, AMDmode.com, MarieClaireArabia.com, among others. AMEinfo and SMEinfo will be re-designed and will re-launch in September 2013.
Mediaquest is one of the leading media groups in the MENA region and for more than 15 years has provided unique insights into the Arab world through its diverse portfolio of more than 20 consumer and trade publications covering business, marketing, communications, women’s interests, lifestyle, entertainment and automotive sectors. Titles include: Gulf Marketing Review, Communicate, Saneou Al Hadath, TRENDS, Policy, Arabies, Marie Claire Arabia and Lower Gulf, Haya, Aficionado and Autocar Middle East. The group publishes in three languages and operates an international network across Algiers, Beirut, Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuwait, Egypt and Paris.
