Axel Springer and United Internet are to emerge Awin (formerly Affiliate Window) and affilinet to form a single global affiliate network. Once approval is granted by anti-trust authorities Axel Springer will own 80 per cent of the company and United Internet 20 per cent. The company will be headquartered in Berlin and be led by Mark Walters as CEO.
Prior to this transaction, Axel Springer will take over the Awin AG shares currently owned by Swisscom (47.5 per cent) under an option agreement.
affilinet launched in Germany in 1997 and operates in Austria, Benelux, France, Spain and the UK and has over 200 employees in eight locations. Awin is a global affiliate network with 15 offices worldwide, 900 employees and 6000 advertisers.
Andreas Wiele, president of marketing & classified ad models, Axel Springer SE and Ralph Dommermuth, CEO of United Internet commented “With the merger of affilinet and Awin we build one of the leading affiliate networks worldwide and at the same time lay the groundwork for the intended stock market listing.”
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