The deal gives APN a national position in the online advertising market and “important digital capabilities” to use across APN’s broader digital portfolio, most notably sophisticated third party traffic management via the CC Media iNC Network. As part of the transaction APN will develop a close working relationship with CC Media founders and digital entrepreneurs Rob Wong and Matt Berriman. 

APN CEO Brett Chenoweth said the transactions should also be viewed as a clear pointer to APN’s strategy in terms of connecting its existing media assets with “exciting and high growth digital businesses”.

CC Media says it has the “leading position” in online catalogue distribution that has seen Australia’s largest retailers join since its inception in 2006. This transaction is the next step of continuing to build dominance in this space, joining forces with one of Australia’s leading media and news businesses to continue to strengthen this position. 

Executive management, Wong and Berriman will maintain a strong shareholding and active involvement in the business into the future. 

“We are really just at the beginning of retailers transferring significant spend online,” explained Wong. “The next few years with the support of APN’s significant resources and clients, we expect to accelerate our growth profile in the Australian online media landscape, to be a substantial player. I’m looking forward to working closely with Brett Chenoweth as our new chairman in significantly growing the business from here.”