Keesing shows strong growth: Takeovers in Sweden and Italy, new structure in the Netherlands
Keesing Media Group is pressing ahead with its growth strategy despite the uncertainties generated by Covid-19. The company’s expansion into Scandinavia continues with the takeover of Dohi’sSwedish puzzle portfolio. At the same time, the acquisition of the puzzle arm of PRS in Italy marks a major step into the large Italian market. Keesing currently has eight European offices and will open a new one in Milan, taking the total to nine.
Since going independent in September 2017, Keesing has been involved in nine takeovers that, together with the print portfolio growth and the rollout of a digital strategy, have driven the company’s continued expansion. This, in turn, has led to the appointment of Anke Braams as Managing Director of Keesing Nederland from June 1.
Third acquisition in Sweden, majority stake in PRS puzzles in Italy
The takeover of the Dohi puzzle portfolio has further strengthened the position of the company in Sweden. This is the third acquisition in this Scandinavian country and the activities will be managed from the Keesing office in Stockholm.
In Italy, Keesing has acquired a significant majority stake in the puzzle arm of PRS, a move that marks a significant advance into the Italian market. The company has been producing logic puzzles such as Sudoku for several years. The move makes Keesing an important player in the Italian puzzle market, with an offer including both logic and word puzzles. These activities will be managed from Milan.
‘A company at the top of its game’
Keesing Nederland is to have its own organisational structure under the leadership of Anke Braams. This ends the current set up in which Stefaan Cornilly is responsible for commercial activities and Frank Rietveld oversees the Dutch portfolio and content development. “It is fantastic how we have been able to grow so strongly in these difficult times,” Philip Alberdingk Thijm, CEO Keesing Media Group said. “I am also delighted to be able to take the next step with Anke in our management team.”
“Keesing is a name to be reckoned with,” Anke Braams said. “The company has been at the top of the market for more than 100 years, and really that says something. I am very enthusiastic about leading Keesing Nederland to further developments and growth.”
About Keesing Media Group
Keesing Media Group is the biggest puzzle and braintainment company in Europe, producing more than 100 million puzzle books a year. Since its foundation by Amsterdam journalist Isaac Keesing in 1911, the company has grown into a market leader in print, online and app puzzle formats. The company offers puzzle fans all over the world challenging and innovative concepts for the best puzzle experiences. The company growing continually and is currently represented in 15 European countries. The headquarters are in Amsterdam and the company has a global workforce of 350, based in nine countries. See also Keesing.com