Media: Burda splits its business into two companies

Burda Media and Burda Equity are set to become two legally independent companies within the Burda media group. The media house announced the split on Tuesday, stating that the media and publishing business, as well as the investment business, will create "two robust, focused companies." The legal implementation is expected to be finalized by 2028.

The owners, Patriarch Hubert Burda and his children Jacob and Elisabeth, will retain their stake in both companies through a holding company. Burda had already restructured internally and clearly separated the two business areas last year. The most famous brands in Burda's media sector are the magazines "Focus" and "Bunte." In its investment business, Burda is involved in companies such as Holidaycheck, Cyberport, and Xing.

The leadership of the media company is expected to be taken over by Elisabeth Varn, currently the deputy head of the media division, and Lydia Rullkötter, the current finance deputy head of the entire group. Maximilian Preisser, who has been spokesperson for the entire management board since October, will manage the equity company.

Burda has recently sought to streamline itself, particularly in the investment business. According to an exclusive report by the Handelsblatt, the company initially sought a partner for the employer evaluation platform Kununu last year, but the plans fell through as Burda failed to secure the desired price. Most recently, Burda searched for a buyer for the holiday portal Holidaycheck, as reported exclusively by the Handelsblatt.