ITP Media Group's Acquisition of Heart Media Marks a New Era in Asian Media Expansion

ITP Media Group Expands Footprint with Heart Media Acquisition

In an unprecedented move that signals a new chapter in its growth, ITP Media Group, a leading media company based in the Middle East, has successfully acquired the Singapore-based Heart Media Group. This strategic acquisition, announced on September 3, 2026, allows ITP Media to enhance its presence in Asia, specifically tapping into the thriving luxury and lifestyle sector.

As one of the foremost independently-owned media houses globally, this acquisition opens doors to markets encompassing over 2 billion individuals, facilitating connections between brands and affluent consumers across the GCC, India, and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The combined forces of ITP Media and Heart Media will operate collaboratively, ensuring a smooth integration process that maintains editorial integrity while leveraging the strengths of both brands.

ITP Media's CEO, Ali Akawi, emphasized the company's mission to create compelling content that resonates with audiences worldwide. He stated, "At its core, ITP Media Group has always been about creating powerful content that connects people. Our roadmap focuses on massive global scale and building a media ecosystem capable of reaching billions globally."

The acquisition enhances ITP Media's existing operations in various regions, including India, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. With the integration of Heart Media, ITP Media is set to expand its footprint into new strategic markets, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. This development comes at a crucial time as Southeast Asia witnesses a burgeoning media and entertainment industry, projected to grow at an annual rate of 6% to 8.4%, according to PwC's Global EM Outlook.

The expansion aligns with an increasing demand from wealthy audiences eager for high-quality media that caters to their luxurious lifestyles. Hong Kong has recently emerged as the leading hub for cross-border wealth, surpassing traditional centers such as Switzerland. Additionally, the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals is expected to rise significantly in Malaysia, making it a lucrative market for luxury media.

Heart Media's esteemed publications, including ELLE, Esquire, and Grazia, cater to this affluent demographic, providing ITP Media with an immediate channel to new and lucrative markets. The company has committed to investing in local economies, support for existing teams, and creating job opportunities across editorial, digital, and event management sectors.

The planned initiatives also include international digital media campaigns, gaming tournaments, and engaging brand activations designed to connect luxury brands with high-net-worth audiences effectively. With this acquisition, ITP Media can now provide advertisers access to a cross-border platform that enhances brand visibility and engagement across multiple markets.

Olivier Burlot, the CEO of Heart Media, will join the board of ITP Media Group and continue to oversee strategic direction while providing expertise garnered from leading Heart Media through significant growth across Asia. His commitment to elevating Asia's luxury media experience remains steadfast even as he integrates into the larger powerhouse at ITP Media.

The collaboration between the two entities is anticipated to create holistic media strategies that not only cater to the individual needs of their established audiences but also attract new consumers from varied backgrounds across Asia. As part of a gradual equity transition plan, the blend of ITP’s resources and Heart Media’s compelling content promises to revolutionize the luxury media landscape in the region.

With the acquisition of Heart Media, ITP Media now operates in ten countries with an expansive portfolio that includes 90 brands. As ITP Media continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to embracing innovative media technologies and delivering world-class storytelling to a global audience. The partnership heralds a bright future for media in Asia, marking significant advancements in luxury and lifestyle journalism that resonates with affluent consumers.

In recap, ITP Media Group’s acquisition of Heart Media Group represents not only a significant milestone in its corporate history but also a promising trajectory for the future of media in Asia, combining innovative strategies with localized content to meet the demands of luxury audiences on a grand scale.