G+J fueling further digital growth of Networkplay

Gruner+Jahr (G+J), the publishing division of European media conglomerate Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA is fully committed to the Indian market and continues to provide substantial investments to leading digital firm Networkplay Media Pvt. Ltd. Newly injected funds will be leading to new product development, great innovations and strategic acquisitions.

Looking at the attractive market growth rates and having acquired Networkplay, one of the fastest growing digital ad-networks, emphasizes G+J/Bertelsmann’s long-term commitment to India and strong belief in the growth of the media industry.

Gruner + Jahr, a market leader in many segments, runs over 300 magazines and 150 websites in more than 30 countries. It is Europe’s leading media company, and is one of the biggest publishers in the world. G+J's plans to establish a strong presence in India started in 2008 with the launch of Geo Magazine through a license contract and in 2011 through acquisition of publisher MaXposure. Since then, G+J has taken a strategic decision to realize the long-term goal of building a strong portfolio of digital media activities through the acquisition of majority stakes in Networkplay.

In March 2012, G+J acquired Networkplay - the digital agency incubated in 2008 by Webchutney and funded by Capital18. Today Networkplay handles 500 campaigns in a quarter and 6 billion impressions per month across Web, DTH and mobile. Presently Networkplay is associated with over 700 publishers and 300 advertisers. With Networkplay, G+J took its first step in streamlining operations and building a strong platform in India. Following this Networkplay acquired mobile ad-network Seventynine.mobi in November 2012.

The expansion of Networkplay in the mobile space through the acquisition of Seventynine.mobi is clearly following G+J’s strategic commitment to grow its mobile business in the Indian market. G+J believes that in the Indian market the mobile segment will gain increasing importance. To trigger its growth in the digital and mobile arena G+J has further invested in Networkplay for funding of new innovative products and services in the digital advertising space and acquire ground-breaking technology and business models within 2013.

The Chairman of the G+J India Board, Dr. Joakim Naegele, on this: “The Indian market is our fastest growing country in our G+J portfolio. With this step we show our dedication for the Indian market and belief in the digital space.” 

CEO of G+J India, Kuldip Singh, has the following to say on this: “G+J is known in the market as a leading magazine publisher, but few know about our strategic commitment to digital as well. This further investment into Networkplay, being our digital platform in the Indian market is a clear example of this.”

CEO of Networkplay, Ampreet Singh, adds: “I am delighted that our shareholders are investing further into Networkplay and are funding our new very exciting innovative future endeavors. It shows clearly the success our company has so far realized and the appreciation we are getting from our German shareholder. We will be soon making exciting announcements on our new steps.”