Julian Deutz Appointed CEO of Axel Springer's Classifieds Business Amid Major Company Restructuring
Portfolio - People | Feb 12, 2025 | Aim Group
Axel Springer is poised for a pivotal transformation, with its operations being bifurcated into media and classifieds segments. Julian Deutz will ascend to the CEO role of the newly isolated classifieds division, anticipated in the second quarter of the upcoming year. Deutz, a seasoned executive with over 20 years at Axel Springer, brings extensive international and financial expertise to the table. The restructuring aligns with strategic ambitions, including an IPO for the StepStone Group and enhanced AI initiatives. KKR, alongside CPP Investments, is set to acquire Axel Springer's classifieds sector for 10 billion, expanding their market reach through assets like StepStone and the Aviv Group. Deutz's leadership promises continuity and stability as the company focuses on organic growth and innovative adaptation in competitive markets such as Germany, France, and the UK.
Sectors
- Media and Publishing
- Classifieds and Marketplace
- Private Equity
Geography
- Germany – Axel Springer is based in Germany, and its strategic changes and high-level appointments are particularly significant there.
- Europe – The transaction includes major operations in various European countries such as France, U.K., and Ireland, reflecting its broad geographic focus.
- Global – Julian Deutz's role and the assets under Axel Springer have a global footprint, influencing markets across the U.S., South Africa, and Israel as well.
Industry
- Media and Publishing – The article discusses a restructuring in Axel Springer, a significant entity in the media and publishing industry, as it splits its operations into media and classifieds.
- Classifieds and Marketplace – The restructuring decision will lead Axel Springer's businesses being categorized into media and classifieds. This segment includes prominent platforms like StepStone and Aviv Group.
- Private Equity – KKR, a prevalent player in the private equity sector, is acquiring Axel Springer's classifieds operations, reflecting a major financial transaction in this sector.
Financials
- 10 billion – The value of the deal between Axel Springer and its private equity stakeholders KKR and CPP Investments for the classifieds division.
- 500 million – Annual revenues reported by Aviv Group under Axel Springer's classifieds division.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Julian Deutz | Incoming CEO of Classifieds Business | Person | Julian Deutz is slated to lead the newly independent classifieds division of Axel Springer after holding key roles for over 20 years within the organization. |
| Axel Springer | Target Company | Company | A leading German publishing company that is undergoing a restructuring to focus on two main business lines: media and classifieds. |
| KKR | Acquirer | Company | A leading global investment firm that, alongside CPP Investments, is acquiring the classifieds division of Axel Springer. |
| CPP Investments | Co-Investor | Company | A global investment manager working with KKR in the transaction involving Axel Springer's spin-off. |
| StepStone Group | Asset within Classifieds Division | Company | A major employment platform included in Axel Springer's classifieds business, with eyes on a potential IPO. |
| Aviv Group | Asset within Classifieds Division | Company | A group of real estate marketplaces that are part of Axel Springer's business portfolio being spun off. |