The Netrisk Group and Bauer Media Join Forces to Create the Leading Online Comparison Platform in Central and Eastern Europe

The Netrisk Group and Bauer Media Group have successfully completed a merger that brings together their Online Comparison Platform (OCP) businesses in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The newly created Netrisk Group now operates as a leading OCP business across six countries in the CEE region. This merger will enable the group to serve a larger market for price comparison services and reach approximately 80 million potential customers across CEE.

The Netrisk Group and Bauer Media Group are well-established in the online comparison industry, with strong brands and leadership positions across several countries in CEE. By combining their resources and expertise, they aim to deliver greater savings for customers and create a more attractive workplace for employees and partners.

The merger has received all necessary regulatory approvals, solidifying Bauer Media Group as a significant strategic partner to the Netrisk Group. TA Associates, the current majority investor in Netrisk, will remain the controlling shareholder of the combined business, while MCI Capital retains a minority stake.

Paul Keenan, COO of Bauer Media Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it brings significant scale to the European market. He believes that the merger will benefit customers and partners in the region's fastest growing and competitive markets.

Robert Sokolowski, CEO of Netrisk Group, also shared his excitement about the merger and welcomed Bauer Media Group to the shareholder group. He emphasized the complementary nature of the merger and its potential to double the group's revenues and market reach. Sokolowski is confident that the collaboration will propel the company forward, allowing them to offer unbeatable service and transparency to customers.

The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Netrisk Group is a leading provider of online comparison services in Central and Eastern Europe. They operate internet portals that enable consumers to compare prices and services of insurance, banking, telecom, and energy products. The Group operates key platforms such as Netrisk.hu and Biztositas.hu in Hungary, Klik and Porovnej24 in the Czech Republic, Netfinancie in Slovakia, Edrauda in Lithuania, and durchblicker in Austria.

Bauer Media Group is a successful media corporation that focuses on creating relevant content for millions of people across Europe. Their portfolio includes print and online publishing, radio broadcasting, audio entertainment, and digital marketing services. With a consumer-first mindset, Bauer Media aims to enrich people's everyday lives through their diverse offerings.

TA Associates is a global private equity firm specializing in scaling growth in profitable companies. They have invested in over 560 companies across various industries, including technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer, and business services.

MCI Capital is one of the largest technology investment funds in Central Europe. They invest in digital champions, including pure technology companies, companies undergoing digital transformation, and IT infrastructure. MCI Capital has a strong track record of supporting successful companies in the region.

In conclusion, the merger between the Netrisk Group and Bauer Media Group represents a significant development in the online comparison industry in Central and Eastern Europe. With their combined resources and expertise, they are well-positioned to serve a larger market and deliver greater savings for customers. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for both companies and sets the stage for future growth and innovation in the region.