Nine sells radio stations, bets $850 million on outdoor advertising business QMS Media
Nine Entertainment has issued a warning to its investors after it confirmed the sale of Nine Radio and a cash splash on another asset.
Media company Nine Entertainment has agreed to buy outdoor advertising business QMS Media for $850 million from Quadrant Private Equity and confirmed the sale of its radio stations to the billionaire Laundy family.
The 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, 6PR, 2UE, Magic1278 and 4BH radio stations will be sold for $56 million, with the sale expected to complete on June 30 subject to ACCC approval.
Nine’s chief executive Matt Stanton said the deals align with the group’s strategy to grow digital revenues, after it sold its 60 per cent stake in property classifieds business Domain for around $1.6 billion in 2025.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The acquisition of the high-growth digital outdoor media company, QMS, further diversifies Nine’s revenue streams and adds scale to our advertiser and agency relationships,” said Mr Stanton.
“The QMS network will provide Nine with a branded platform to support key national news and sporting moments and serve as a public utility for governments at all levels in times of emergency or community need.”
Nine said it will be able to claim tax losses of $178 million as a result of the radio business sales and offset these losses against its $254 million capital gains tax bill from the sale of Domain.
As a result of the tax benefits, it said its net investments will be around $601 million for a QMS business forecast to generate EBITDA (operating income) of $105 million in 2026.
It added that the deal flurry is expected to be accretive for earnings per share in the low double-digits in financial 2026 after adjusting for the benefit of anticipated cost savings.
However, Nine also warned investors that its dividends in financial years 2026 and 2027 are now expected to be unfranked as a result of the tax losses being recognised through the deals.
The company will hand down its results for the six months ending December 31 on February 24. Shares traded up 4 per cent to $1.14 on Friday afternoon.
