SMC Media Expands Its Digital Footprint with Aleph Group Acquisition

SMC Media Partners with Aleph Group for Strategic Joint Venture

In a bold move aimed at expanding its global reach, SMC Media, the media and advertising arm of the SMC Group, has signed a term sheet with Aleph Group, Inc. This collaboration seeks to establish a strategic joint venture that will manage newly acquired digital advertising assets across the MENAT region, which includes the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey. The agreement marks a significant step forward for both companies, emphasizing the shared commitment to advancing digital transformation and innovation.

A New Chapter in Digital Advertising

The signing event in Riyadh saw SMC Group Chairman Mohamed Al-Khereiji and Aleph Group Founder and CEO Gastón Taratuta make the investment official. The focus of this joint venture will not only be on enhancing SMC Media's regional capabilities but also on leveraging Aleph Group's vast global infrastructure and digital advertising expertise. This integration is expected to substantially boost Aleph's foothold in the Middle East while creating a unique digital ecosystem that offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services.

Benefits of the Partnership

This strategic partnership is set to unlock multiple revenue-generating opportunities throughout the MENAT region. One of the primary advantages for SMC Media is the access to Aleph's expansive global network, which spans over 50 international platform partners and includes operations in more than 130 countries. In doing so, SMC aims to bolster its position as a formidable player in the global digital arena, moving beyond its current regional constraints.

Chairman Al-Khereiji remarked on the significance of this collaboration, stating, "This partnership represents a strategic step to advance our expertise in media across the globe amid rapid sector growth. It also reinforces our commitment to advancing digital transformation and innovation across the MENA region." By merging SMC Media's vast advertising inventory and insights with Aleph's global capabilities, they are poised to deliver innovative solutions in digital advertising, providing clients with integrated and efficient options.

Gastón Taratuta echoed these sentiments, expressing his enthusiasm about welcoming SMC Media as a strategic partner. He acknowledged that the leadership of SMC in the MENAT region complements Aleph's mission of accelerating digital growth worldwide. Together, they foresee creating new avenues for brands, small businesses, and aspiring professionals to flourish in the burgeoning digital economy.

Supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030

The partnership also aligns with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which underscores the importance of digital transformation, innovation, and collaborations in the private sector as vital components for economic diversification and sustainable development. The joint venture highlights a concerted effort to evolve the digital landscape within the region and has the potential to catalyze growth by integrating advertising, payments, and fintech services.

However, the transaction is contingent upon due diligence, finalizing definitive agreements, board and shareholder approvals from both organizations, as well as customary regulatory processes.

About the Companies

SMC Media is based in Riyadh and serves as the media and advertising network arm of SMC Group, a leading regional player in the media and advertising sectors. Established in 2018, SMC Media has curated the largest advertising inventory in the Middle East, facilitating diverse solutions like media rights, sponsorships, and AI-powered digital technologies. Its network includes major partnerships with the likes of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, beIN Sports, and DAZN MENA, among others.

Aleph Group, on the other hand, is recognized globally for its innovation at the intersection of media and payments. With connections to over 50 leading digital media platforms, Aleph operates across more than 150 countries. This global connectivity allows Aleph to serve around 26,000 advertisers, engaging more than 3 billion consumers.

Both companies are positioned at the forefront of the digital transformation wave, ready to create and capitalize on new opportunities in the digital marketing and advertising space.