Axel Springer Splits Media and Classifieds in €13.5 Billion Deal with KKR

The German media giant's news assets will be privately held by Mathias Döpfner and Friede Springer, while KKR and CPPIB take control of the classifieds business.

Axel Springer’s media assets, including Politico and Business Insider, will be owned by Mathias Döpfner and Friede Springer.
KKR and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board will hold a majority stake in the newly separated classifieds business, including StepStone and Aviv.
The deal, valued at €13.5 billion, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approval.
Axel Springer aims to become a leading transatlantic digital journalism company, emphasizing the role of technology and artificial intelligence.
The split follows several controversies in Axel Springer's media division and aims to streamline operations and focus on growth areas.