2008 Media Sector Barometer19 March 2008

The year 2007 saw a total of 498 media deals worth $139bn in Europe and North America combined. While the total value and volume of deals dropped in North America in 2007, perhaps resulting from the tightening of the credit market, it increased in Europe. The second quarter of 2007, in particular, saw record high European deal values totaling $38bn. The largest deal worldwide was the $18.3bn acquisition of the Reuters Group by the Canadian-based Thomson Corporation. Having recently received approval from the European Commission, the merger will create the world’s largest provider of financial news.

The United States dominated media sector M&A activity in 2007, completing 40% of overall volumes and 48% if deal values are measured. Trailing behind was the UK, which contributed 26% of deal value and 18% of transactional volumes. However, according to respondents, the UK will be the most attractive country in terms of media sector opportunities in 2008, ahead of the US and China.

Table of Contents

1. Foreword

2. Methodology

3. Survey findings

4. 2007 media sector top deals - North America

5. 2007 media sector top deals - Europe

6. Historical Data

7. Contacts

We hope you find this report useful and we would particularly welcome any feedback or questions you might have.

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