MetroXpress - the Danish free newspaper, part of the Metro International group - and 24timer, part of JP/Politikens Hus, together form the largest free newspaper group in Denmark. The group, which will operate through MetroXpress A/S, will distribute both MetroXpress and 24timer reaching more than 1 million daily readers[1]. As a part of the agreement, JP/Politikens Hus will receive 24.5% percent of the shares in MetroXpress A/S. Through MetroXpress and 24timer, Metro further strengthens its proposition in the Danish advertising market, reaching 1 million daily readers in the attractive target group at the age of 14-49. The weekly reach of the two publications is 1.9 million readers, which covers more than half of the Danish population over 14 years of age. The joint readership is by far the highest in Denmark with only 16% overlap between the two publications. Through the acquisition Metro gains a strong market share, which will improve the position of both companies. In addition, joint advertising collaborations with Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten and Politiken are expected to generate future revenue synergies. Initially, MetroXpress and 24timer will operate individually with two separate editions and sales teams, but will both be distributed by MetroXpress A/S. As a consequence of the merger, the new ownership structure of MetroXpress A/S will be JP Politikens Hus A/S holding 24.5% of the shares, and the former owners A-Pressen and Metro International holding 24.5% and 51% of the shares respectively."We are delighted to join this new partnership with JP/Politikens Hus to further improve the free newspapers and their performance in Denmark. Through this acquisition MetroXpress will be publishing two unique free newspapers - MetroXpress and 24timer - which makes a good combination as the papers have quite different profiles. With this deal we will strengthen our position and we have now created a strong opportunity to improve our advertising offering, whilst taking advantage of cost synergies." says Per Mikael Jensen, CEO Metro International. Press conference at 10:30 A.M. CET A joint press conference will be held at 10.30 A.M. CET at MetroXpress A/S, Bygmestervej 61 - 2400 Copenhagen NV. The following will be present at the press conference: Søren Riis, Managing Director of MetroXpress, Anders Kronborg, Executive Vice President of Metro International, Bjarne Salomonsen, Managing Director of A-Pressen and Torsten Bjerre Rasmussen, COO of JP/Politikens Hus. For further information: Per Mikael Jensen, CEO Tel: +44 (0)20 7016 13 00 Anders Kronborg, Executive Vice President Tel: +44 (0)79 12 54 08 00 Birgitta Henriksson, IR Tel: +46 (0)8 410 32 185 *** ABOUT METRO INTERNATIONAL Metro is the largest international newspaper in the world. Metro is published in over 150 major cities in 21 countries across Europe, North & South America and Asia. Metro has a unique global reach - attracting a young, active, well-educated Metropolitan audience of over 20 million daily readers. Metro's advertising sales have grown at a compound annual rate of 38% since the launch of the first edition in 1995. Metro International 'A' and 'B' shares are listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange's Nordic List under the symbols MTRO SBD A and MTRO SBD B. ABOUT JP/POLITIKENS HUS JP/Politikens Hus is one of Denmark's leading media corporations. Among the publications are three national newspapers: Ekstra Bladet, Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten and Politiken. The corporation's undertakings also include book publishing, printing, local newspapers in Denmark and Sweden, the free morning paper 24timer, TV-production as well as multimedia activities. [1] Source: Index Danmark Gallup 2HV 2007
MetroXpress and 24timer form Denmark's largest free newspaper group
| Source: Metro International S.A.