Hachette Filipacchi Medias, a
unit of Lagardere SCA, acquired an equity interest in online advertising and
marketing firm Phase2Media.
Hachette Filipacchi said the move is part of a plan to create global
advertising and marketing platforms for its numerous publications. Financial
specifics were not disclosed.
“Hachette Filipacchi Medias’ significant investment in Phase2Media represents
a major step forward in establishing our publications as the ultimate
resources on the Internet,” said Jack Kliger, president and chief executive officer of Hachette
Filipacchi Magazines, the American subsidiary of Hachette Filipacchi Medias.
“This alliance leverages the company’s global resources and the power of our
international brands with Phase2Media’s strengths in the online advertising
industry.”
“This investment by Hachette Filipacchi Medias completes the first round of
funding for Phase2Media and adds significant fuel to our expansion plans,”
said Richy Glassberg, chairman and chief executive officer of Phase2.
Hachette Filipacchi Medias’ investment further solidifies a partnership that
was formed when the Phase2 was retained to serve as the exclusive advertising
sales representative for the company’s ELLE.com, an online fashion, beauty
and lifestyle network.
Hachette Filipacchi Medias publishes 203 magazines worldwide, including 155
titles outside France, in 32 countries.
Launched in April 1999, Phase2Media represents more than 50 branded sites to
advertisers, offering “networks” by audience or content affinity.
