Dubai, UAE, June 11, 2014: Jabbar Internet Group (www.jabbar.com), a pioneer in creating and investing in leading technology companies, today announced it has invested in the Dubai-based News Group, a global provider of media analytics and social engagement solutions.
The deal is likely to be followed by further investment from Jabbar Internet Group and other investors over the next few months. The investment will support News Group's organic growth in the young but fast-growing media intelligence sector in the region and international markets.
"We have watched News Group and its core businesses, including Media Watch, Salience and Social Eyez, for several years," said Samih Toukan, Chairman of Jabbar Internet Group. "The company has demonstrated remarkable growth year-on-year and has a loyal customer base of over 1,000 corporate and governmental entities around the world.
"News Group's clear leadership in media intelligence and its fast growing social analytics, engagement and content marketing services are very exciting and we are confident that our investment comes at the best possible time for both Jabbar Internet Group and News Group," he added.
"Jabbar Internet Group is an excellent partner," said Mazen Nahawi president of News Group. "The company and its leadership, represented by Samih Toukan and Hussam Khoury, is an example of the best entrepreneurial organisations in our region and we are delighted to welcome them as private investors into the company.
"All invested funds will go to support our growth; we will focus on expanded product development, technology innovation and geographic expansion," he added. "The financial element is important, but the personal support and contribution of Jabbar's leadership to overall planning and strategic development at News Group will prove invaluable
News Group, founded in 2002, specialises in the sourcing, distribution, creation, monitoring and analysis of news content in 30 countries across the Middle East, Africa and the Indian sub-continent. The firm owns and operates seven subsidiaries and employs over 300 people.
The global media intelligence industry is currently valued at $4bn globally and is growing 15 per cent year-on-year, according to estimates by News Group.
About Jabbar Internet Group
Jabbar Internet Group is a leading group in the technology sector in the Arab World. Having been established in late 2009, just after the acquisition of Maktoob.com by Yahoo, Jabbar Internet Group launched several leading Internet brands including souq.com the largest e-commerce company in the region, cashU.com, sukar.com and cobone.com; all leaders in their respective areas. Jabbar has recently spun off its e-commerce assets into Souq Group and have successfully exited Cobone.com to mark another successful Internet exit in the region after Maktoob. Today Jabbar portfolio companies include: Arabiaweather.com, Ikoo, Tahadi, Instabeat, Newsgroup, Araby and Nibras and continues to invest and launch new ventures in the region.
About News Group
News Group is a fast-growing global provider of media intelligence, social media analytics and content marketing services. The company employs over 450 full time staff in 30 countries worldwide. Headquartered in Dubai, the company maintains offices in London, Washington DC, Buenos Aires, Beirut, Amman, Cairo, Casablanca and other locations. The company's key subsidiaries include Media Watch, Salience Insight and Social Eyez.
For more information, please contact:
Sameh Hamtini/Claire Valdini
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Tel: +9714 450 7600
sameh.hantini@bm.com
claire.valdini@bm.com
© Press Release 2014
