We've advised Time Out Group on a series of transactions across Spain, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore, transitioning its Media operations in each territory to long-term franchise partnerships with established local and regional media businesses.
The agreements enable Time Out to continue growing its internationally recognised brand through experienced local operators while maintaining its editorial standards and trusted recommendations. We're pleased to have supported Time Out on this strategic evolution of its Media business.
Time Out Spain
Time Out has agreed a long-term franchise partnership with RBA across its Spanish Media business, which spans both Time Out Barcelona and Time Out Madrid. RBA ranks among the biggest publishers in the Spanish language, running over 25 brands, National Geographic among them, and reaching roughly 60 million people every month. As part of the acquisition, Time Out's Spanish Media staff transfer to RBA and will work from its offices in Barcelona and Madrid. Time Out Market Barcelona is not part of the transaction and remains owned and operated by Time Out Group.
Time Out Australia
In Australia, Vinyl Group has acquired Time Out's local operations and become the brand's sole franchise partner in the country. The title now sits alongside Vinyl's array of successful media titles, among them Concrete Playground, Rolling Stone AU/NZ and Pedestrian. Time Out will continue supporting the Australian business through the long-term franchise partnership, ensuring the brand's editorial standards and direction remain consistent.
Hong Kong and Singapore
Time Out has sold its Hong Kong and Singapore operations to ITP Media Group, in conjunction with entering into a decade-long franchise deal. The deal strengthens a pre-existing relationship spanning over two decades, with ITP already publishing Time Out in Gulf cities from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Doha, Riyadh and Jeddah.
A consistent approach across four territories
Taken together, the three transactions reflect the same strategic approach. Time Out retains ownership of its brand and editorial standards while experienced local partners operate the businesses under long-term franchise agreements.
Tim Bulley, International Development Director at Time Out Media, said:
Three franchise deals combined with the transfer of our local operations, across four territories, each with its own complexities, all completed successfully. The Lewis Silkin team kept things calm and practical throughout, and we were glad to have them on our side. Big thank you to Simon Entwistle and the team.
The Lewis Silkin team advising Time Out was led by Simon Entwistle, with support from Emma McGrory, Jack Baldwin, Sophie Massing and Liam Mayet, as well as local support from Araoz y Rueda in Spain, Corrs in Australia and Kennedys in Hong Kong and Singapore.