ProSiebenSat.1 brings Talenthouse to Germany

Munich, May 8, 2014. The ProSiebenSat.1 Group is expanding its digital business further. By taking a minority stake in Los Angeles-based Talenthouse, the operator of the eponymous online platform, the Munich-based media group is bringing this successful networking community from the United States to Germany. Talenthouse brings brands together with artists who create content that connects with people.  The company's suite of products and services unlock opportunity for artists, major brands and mainstream audiences.  A powerful community of Talenthouse artists retain ownership of their work, earn compensation, and grow their reach. Brands connect authentically through premium content. People worldwide engage with inspiring art across the leading social networks. One of many prominent success stories was Talenthouse's creative campaign for Adidas to support its expansion into the sunglasses segment, in which nearly 2,000 creatives presented proposals for sunglass designs. Of this total, three designs went into production and are now available on the market. In total, this campaign reached 36 million people. By means of this acquisition, ProSiebenSat.1 has added to its portfolio an innovative approach that, besides Adidas, many globally active companies have already successfully incorporated into their brand communication activities. Other clients of Talenthouse include innovative, high-profile companies like Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Dolce & Gabbana, Samsung, Kleenex, HP, Intel, and even Volkswagen. A distinguishing characteristic of this platform is the direct communication between users and brand owners via social media channels, which is bolstered by communicative effects such as viral spreading, word-of-mouth referrals, and peer-to-peer recommendations. ProSiebenSat.1 is making this investment in Talenthouse through Starwatch Entertainment, the Group's own music and live-entertainment company. With a portfolio of numerous national and international musicians and artists, Starwatch disposes of a broad-based, well-established network in the creative and entertainment industry. Therefore, it serves as the central interface between the creative community and brand-building campaigns. Dr. Christian Wegner, Member of the Executive Board ProSiebenSat.1: "Talenthouse enables brand owners to conduct a direct dialog with a particularly interesting target group, while also involving them in the product development process at an early stage. That is unique." Wegner continued by saying: "After the mobile shopping app 'Shopkick', Talenthouse is the second import agreement signed by ProSiebenSat.1 this year. Thus, we continue to implement our strategy of investing in successful digital companies and actively shaping their entry into the European market." Roman Scharf, Co-CEO and Founder of Talenthouse: "ProSiebenSat.1 is the leading TV company in Germany and one of the strongest media companies in Europe. For Talenthouse, this partnership represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to expand its network to the German-speaking countries and implement unique marketing concepts for businesses. The reach and the access to brands and creatives in TV and in the digital world afforded by this investment will permanently speed up Talenthouse's growth." Contact: Matthias Bohlig
Senior Manager Communications ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG
Medienallee 7
D-85774 Unterfoehring
Tel. +49 [0]89 95 07-2344
Fax +49 [0]89 95 07-92344 E-Mail: Matthias.Bohlig@ProSiebenSat1.com Markus Prosch
Head of Communication Sales & Diversification ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG
Medienallee 7
D-85774 Unterfoehring
Tel. +49 [0]89 95 07-8920
Fax +49 [0]89 95 07-8826 E-Mail: Markus.Prosch@ProSiebenSat1.com