Sporttotal AG

M&A Activity • Apr 27, 2007

News Details

Ad-hoc | 27 April 2007 18:54

WIGE MEDIA AG planning to merge operating subsidiaries with WIGE MEDIA AG retrospective on January 1st 2007

WIGE MEDIA AG / Strategic Company Decision

Release of an Ad hoc announcement according to § 15 WpHG, transmitted by
DGAP - a company of EquityStory AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

---

Ad-hoc-announcement §15 WpHG as of April 27th, 2007

WIGE MEDIA AG, ISIN: DE0006347701

• WIGE MEDIA AG planning to merge operating subsidiaries with WIGE MEDIA AG
  retrospective on January 1st 2007
• Resolution to refocus and reduce complexity
• Programme to enhance earnings and efficiency

Cologne, 27 April 2007: The Executive Board and the Supervisory Board of
WIGE MEDIA AG (SCN: 634770) have resolved to merge its wholly owned Group
subsidiaries WIGE COMMUNICATION GmbH, WIGE TELEVISION GmbH and WIGE
BUSINESS SERVICES GmbH with WIGE MEDIA AG retrospective on January 1st
2007. The reasons for this intended merger are to simplify the
organisational structure and to reduce the complexity of the Group
considerably. At the same time, responsibility structures will be
streamlined and new management competencies will be assigned. The planned
merger is also a reaction to the changing market conditions and new
customer requirements. An internal brand management analysis revealed that
the WIGE MEDIA brand is recognised both nationally and internationally, but
the 'WIGE COMMUNICATION' and 'WIGE TELEVISION' brands are not. The existing
business segments are no longer seen as individual entities. Accordingly,
the Group's key services will be offered and positioned under the WIGE
MEDIA umbrella brand in future. The merger is subject to the approval of
the Annual General Meeting on 2 July 2007.
The Executive Board has also resolved a comprehensive programme to enhance
efficiency and earnings. The aim of these measures is to sustainably
increase the operating gross profit margins in the individual business
areas.
As a result of the new strategic and operating measures, WIGE MEDIA AG is
anticipating greater effectiveness in its operating units, a higher level
of brand awareness and a long-term positive effect on future business
development. Despite non-recurring restructuring expenses, the first cost
savings and revenue increases as a result of the refocusing programme are
forecast for the current financial year.

The Executive Board

Contact:
WIGE MEDIA AG
Am Coloneum 2
50829 Köln
www.wige.de

Tel: +49 [0] 221_7 88 77_ 140
Fax: +49 [0] 221_7 88 77_ 189
info@wige.de

About WIGE MEDIA AG:
WIGE MEDIA AG is a globally active media service company and provides
services and solutions along the value chain for TV and film productions.
The business segments of the leading full service provider for sports and
event productions include Outside Broadcasts, TV & Film Production, Post
Production, TV Marketing, Rental Services, Data and Results Services,
Events & Incentives and last but not least comprehensive Media Consultancy
Services. Thanks to this extensive portfolio of services, the Company,
founded in 1978, can guarantee its unique position in Germany and Europe.
The Company has been headquartered in Cologne and listed on the stock
market since 2000.

DGAP 27.04.2007

Language: English
Issuer: WIGE MEDIA AG
Am Coloneum 2
50829 Köln Deutschland
Phone: +49 (0)221 7 88 77 0
Fax: +49 (0)221 7 88 77 199
E-mail: info@wige.de
www: www.wige.de
ISIN: DE0006347701
WKN: 634770
Indices:
Listed: Amtlicher Markt in Frankfurt (General Standard); Freiverkehr
in Berlin-Bremen, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart

End of News DGAP News-Service

---