Kagiso, Lagardère acquire Acceleration Media

Acceleration Media specialises in online media strategy, planning and buying.

Said Murphy Morobe, CEO of Kagiso Media: "For some time now we have been exploring opportunities in South Africa's fast-growing digital environment. The acquisition of Acceleration Media gives us a strategic entry into one of the most vibrant segments of the digital economy – online advertising. It also has a strong base of skills and customers that we can build on in years to come."

Strategic partner

Lagardère has been a strategic partner of Kagiso Media for several years, through its subsidiary LARI (Lagardere Active Radio International). The two companies are shareholders in the JacarandaFM and RadMark businesses.

"The Acceleration Media acquisition further cements the relationship between our two groups," commented Andrew Manderstam, "and reflects Lagardère's long term commitment to investing in South Africa".

Manderstam ,who heads up the company's southern African operations, stressed that they had been in radio in South Africa for over 10 years and were now broadening their interests to include internet and other digital systems. "It is envisaged that there will be skills transference derived from our experience in many of the 39 countries in which Lagardere has a presence in TV, radio, Internet and print."

Said Jacques van Niekerk, CEO of Acceleration Group, "After entering discussions with a number of suitors for the company, we are pleased to have found new owners that are an excellent strategic fit for Acceleration Media in the form of the Kagiso Media and Lagardère groups."