Project description
and objectives:
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The EBRD is considering financing WAZ Media Group’s development and expansion both in its existing and new markets in Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union, through acquisitions and investments into local publishing companies, distribution networks, printing facilities as well as other media (internet, TV, radio).
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Transition impact:
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The project has a potential to set standards for business conduct in the media business by exploiting synergies of a large publishing network while preserving the editorial independence of individual titles. The project has also a potential to establish a network of higher-quality regional products, since WAZ will invest in a diversified range of products and services beyond publishing, such as modern distribution services, digital printing facilities and online platforms. In a more general sense, WAZ’s mission of fostering democracy and free speech through independent, private sector print media is considered to be fully aligned with the mandate of the Bank.
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The client:
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WAZ (Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung) Media Group is one of the largest publishing and media houses in Germany. WAZ is specialised in publishing regional newspapers and magazines, has interests in other media, such as radio, web platforms, books, and is vertically integrated owning printing facilities and distribution companies.
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EBRD finance:
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EBRD will invest EUR 40 million of equity in Ost Holding, a 100% subsidiary of WAZ Media Group fully dedicated to hold, invest and manage all operations of the group in the CEE and the CIS.
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Total project cost:
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EUR 40 million.
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Environmental impact:
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Screened C/1. Environmental investigations which are still underway included a corporate environmental assessment of the company’s operations along with a site visit to WAZ’s largest printing facility in Germany. The major issues investigated included
- paper sourcing, sustainable forestry and recycling
- energy consumption
- volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from print works
- waste management and recycling
The investigations confirmed that there are unlikely to be any significant negative environmental issues associated with the proposed development. WAZ maximise the proportion of recycled fibre (up to 100 per cent in most cases) in the paper they use. WAZ are also committed to measuring and wherever possible reducing the energy consumption associated with all of the operational activities where they have direct management control..
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Technical
cooperation:
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None.
For consultant opportunities for projects financed by technical cooperation
funds, visit procurement
of consultants.
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Company contact:
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Mark Mickasch
Chief Financial Officer
Ost Holding GmbH
WAZ Medien Gruppe
E-mail: mark.mickasch@kundkmedien.at
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EBRD contact:
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Hrvoje Crnogorac, Operation Leader: crnogorh@ebrd.com
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Business opportunities:
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For business opportunities or procurement, contact the client company.
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General enquiries:
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EBRD project enquiries not related to procurement:
Tel: +44 20 7338 7168; Fax: +44 20 7338 7380
Email: projectenquiries@ebrd.com
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