Mediaprint: After crisis back on course - the future of the media secured!

Mediaprint: After crisis back on course - the future of the media secured!

Österreich - Die Mediaprint, Austria's largest newspaper company and joint printing, logistics, marketing and sales companies of the Krone and Kurier , has stabilized again after a challenging financial year 2022/23. In the 2023/24 financial year, the company shows success in the renovation efforts of the new leadership, consisting of Gerhard Valeskini, Michael Tillian and Richard Grasl. Over 100 measures were successfully implemented in a comprehensive consolidation program in all areas of the company.

The editorial offices of both the crown and Kurier made a significant contribution to improving the financial situation. According to the 2023/24 group year, however, a negative result before taxes of -2.6 million euros must be recorded, which is a striking improvement compared to the previous year (-23.7 million euros). The EBITDA is also positive, which with +6.5 million euros is better off by 17.8 million euros than in the previous year (-11.3 million euros).

economic stability and perspectives

by June 30, 2024, Mediaprint can have positive equity of 8.8 million euros, which underlines the extensive renovation measures. Furthermore, the company is operational cash flow positive again. For the 2024/25 financial year, managers expect an increase in sales revenue and a reduction in costs and predict a significantly positive overall result.

In the last financial year, Mediaprint was responsible for an average of around 1,830 employees, including the joint venture company. Nevertheless, the situation in the corporate environment remains challenging. Mediaprint is practically monopolist in newspaper printing in the east of Austria and produces in addition to your own publications for other newspapers.

owner structure and strategic changes

The mediaprint belongs to 50 % of the crown newspaper and 50 % of the courier. There are currently negotiations on the sale of spark shares, which are expected to be completed in 2024. This could result in far -reaching consequences for the strategic orientation and the corporate structure.

Up to the time of the sales time of sales, the shareholders' committee (gas) decides on economic issues. The gas consists of two representatives of the three owner groups, with the representative of the crown responsible for advertising marketing and the Kurier representative is responsible for sales and subscriptions. Restructures are already being planned in which the newspapers should act more autonomously, whereby one managing director is to be used for Krone and Kurier.

industry overview and market trends

Despite the challenges that the media market experiences in Austria, this moderate growth, which is influenced by changing consumer preferences, the Integration of streaming services and the trend towards personalized media consumption. The tendency towards on-demand content increases, especially for younger target groups that appreciate flexibility and tailor-made experiences. These changes force traditional media providers to adapt to the new expectations.

The MediaPrint has already closed a partial operation of its pressure location in Carinthia, which led to a reduction of 40 jobs. Nevertheless, the company remains optimistic and is planning a future strengthening of regional markets, with media consumption being strongly influenced by social media and localized content. The market conditions in Austria offer opportunities for companies to position themselves innovatively and to adapt to the needs of consumers.