5 March 2019
Bauer Media UK to Acquire UKRD Group
Bauer Media Group UK has today announced it will acquire UKRD Group – ten radio stations across Yorkshire, East Anglia and the South and South West of England in its fourth acquisition this year.
Paul Keenan, CEO Bauer Media UK and European Radio commented: “These stations are an excellent addition to our business and further extend our reach into completely new areas of the UK“.
UKRD stations, with a weekly reach of 722,000 listeners, build on Bauer’s previous acquisitions earlier this year of Wireless local stations, Celador Radio and Lincs FM Group.
He adds: “This further demonstrates our long-term commitment and belief in commercial radio which has never been so exciting – for both listeners and advertisers. With record revenues for the third year running, the radio medium has grown by a third in the past five years alone, and with its highest share of listening since 2001, commercial radio is in a stronger position than ever before.”
William Rogers, Chief Executive Officer UKRD, adds: “UKRD’s radio stations will make a great addition to the Bauer portfolio and the opportunities that may well present themselves to many of our talented and highly professional people will be greatly enhanced by this acquisition. The inclusion in the deal of UKRD’s interest in FRS ensures that the agency will continue to serve its clients.”
In addition, Bauer acquires UKRD’s interests in FRS and three local DAB multiplexes including Surrey and North Sussex Limited, North Yorkshire Limited and South West Digital Radio Limited.
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For Further information:
Cat Martin
Communications Director, Bauer Media
0207 432 3317/07932 746 363
About Bauer Media UK:
Bauer Media UK reaches over 25 million UK consumers through a portfolio of world-class, multi-platform media and entertainment brands including heat, KISS, Grazia, Empire, Magic, Absolute Radio and the Hits Radio Network. These brands offer commercial partners access to highly engaged audiences, with creative solutions underpinned by insight and instinct. Bauer Media UK is part of the Bauer Media Group, one of the world’s largest privately owned media businesses with media assets all over the globe.
About Bauer Media Group:
The Bauer Media Group is one of the world’s most successful media companies. We embrace tradition while still keeping our finger on the pulse. Our people create magazines, digital formats, and radio on four continents. With more than 700 magazines, 400 digital products, and 100+ radio stations, we inform and entertain millions of people every day. Simultaneously, we are shaping tomorrow: with investments in online comparison platforms and other young business models, we are setting the course for a successful future as a global portfolio company.
About UKRD Group:
UKRD owns and operates ten local radio stations across England as well as having a share of national radio sales agency, First Radio Sales, and three regional DAB multiplexes.
