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Lagardère in $ 1.1 billion buyout of Sportfive
MUMBAI : French conglomerate Lagardère SCA, which has interests ranging from media (mainly publishing) to defence, has announced it is acquiring Sportfive, the no.1 in European football marketing and media rights, for an enterprise value of €865 million ($1.1 billion).
This acquisition, which will take place once clearance has been obtained from the European competition authorities, is Lagardère’s first move into the international sports rights trading and agency market. It is in line with Lagardère’s long-term strategy of increasing its presence in exclusive-access media content with high growth potential.
According to a statement issued by the company, the Sportfive deal is a logical progression from its expansion into the sports industry over the past three years, and the newly-acquired business will benefit from the support of Lagardère’s international media-buying activities.
Sportfive acts as a partner to sporting bodies and clubs, helping them to extract maximum value from their rights. These rights include media rights, which are bought by TV broadcasters and other content-providers (currently via the Internet and mobile phones), and marketing rights, which enable advertisers to reach the public by buying space in a range of media (team shirts, panel advertising at grounds, stadium sponsorship, etc), thereby associating their brand image with football federations, leagues, clubs or sporting events.
At present, Sportfive is involved primarily in football, the most highly-developed and attractive sports market in the world.With a rights portfolio embracing over 250 clubs, 50 of Europe’s principal football federations and leagues, and media rights for prestigious international football tournaments like Euro 2008 and the African Cup of Nations, Sportfive is the unchallenged market leader.
Sportfive operates across the five continents via a network of 11 offices. For 2006, the company is forecasting revenues of €526 million, EBITDA of €85 million and EBITA of €55 million. The principal shareholders of Sportfive are Advent International, Goldman Sachs Capital Partners and RTL Group.Lagardère was advised by Calyon, Goetzpartners, Ernst & Young (Transaction Advisory Services) and Clifford Chance.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
