Axel Springer Digital Classifieds GmbH signed an exclusivity agreement to acquire 51% stake in Car & Boat Media S.A.S. from Spir Communication (ENXTPA:SPI) for €72 million on June 27, 2014. In 2013, Car & Boat Media S.A.S reported €18.6 million of operating profit and revenues of €48.5 million. Francois Couffy, Chief Executive Officer of Car & Boat Media, will remain in his position.

Spir Communication will use the proceeds of the sale to finance its transformational plan. Carsten Schaefer, Philipp Spyra of PwC acted as financial advisors, Jean-Charles Ferreri, Jérôme Colin of Roland Berger acted as strategic advisors, Mathieu Remy, Justine Souchay, Grégory Sroussi of Clifford Chance and Franck David, Alice Desbois of Landwell acted as legal advisors to Axel Springer. Florent Haôk, Benoît Perrin d'Arloz, Vincent Meziere, Augustin Delouvrier and Arnaud Joubert, Simon Bard of Transaction R acted as financial advisors and Henri-Nicolas Fleurance, François Couhadon, Julie Rolet of De Gaulle Fleurance & Associés acted as legal advisor to Spir Communication.