PodWires
Posts
💥PodX Acquires UK's Platform Media: A Media Company Shaking Up Podcasting

💥PodX Acquires UK's Platform Media: A Media Company Shaking Up Podcasting

🚀 Advertise with our newsletter to get in front of Podcasters and Podcast Producers

The UK's next-generation media company, Platform Media, announced today that global podcast group PodX has acquired the majority of the company. This represents the company's largest acquisition to date for its Stockholm headquarters. When everything is said and done, it is expected to be the biggest deal in the history of the UK podcast industry, with an initial valuation well over eight figures. In 2021, Platform Media was established by Matthew Sherry and Matt Sayward in collaboration with the 21six Group. It provides production, distribution, and monetization services all under one roof.

Matthew Sherry, Platform Media CEO, says: “From the moment we met PodX, something has just felt right. Our two businesses have many shared ambitions, mutual philosophies and an overarching entrepreneurial spirit. PodX believes in the unique vision and business model that underpins Platform Media, and we believe that PodX is right that companies like ours can enjoy huge benefits and economies of scale through consolidation and shared infrastructure.”

Its original content label Folding Pocket has produced some of the UK’s biggest podcasts, including The Good, The Bad & The Rugby; Football’s Greatest with Jeff Stelling; The Fast & The Curious; Ami Charlize’s Private Story; The 3AM Club with Caitlin and Leah; My Mate’s A Footballer with Patrick Bamford and Joe Wilkinson for BBC Sounds and Amazon’s Three Little Words starring John Bishop.

Matt Sayward, Platform Media CSO, says: “This company shows its true potential best when it takes big swings; whether that’s through launching brand-new shows with global talent, transforming the way leading brands engage with media, acquiring and levelling up existing IP, or expanding into new areas and territories. As we look to the future and our objectives for growth, we know that PodX are the partners we’ve been looking for that can unlock our ability to take even more big swings.”

Creating podcasts that thrive on every digital platform – audio, video, social and beyond – Platform Media has delivered award-winning content for the world’s biggest brands, broadcasters, rights holders and talent. It has worked with Amazon Music, Audible, BBC, Domino’s, EFL, NFL, Paramount, Red Bull, Simply Be, Spotify, Vodafone and William Hill.

Rick Ankers, Platform Media Executive Director and 21six Group CEO, says: “We developed this business through some of the most difficult times of our generation. The reason for its success has been our absolute focus on the human element of business. Personally, I have only ever been interested in working with good people and now, in PodX, we have found partners who are just that.”

The team helps transform brands into true broadcasters that connect with audiences through 360° multi-channel entertainment strategies. Successes in this space have included Up Front with Simon Jordan, created for William Hill. One of the UK’s most successful branded podcasts, Up Front reached Number 1 in the charts with tens of millions of views, gained over 100K YouTube subscribers in just seven months and recently launched a new spin-off weekly show.

Despite a challenging market environment, Platform Media’s non-traditional podcast model has ensured the company’s revenue will grow to surpass eight figures this year.

Staffan Rosell, CEO and Member of the Board, PodX Group, says: “Adding Platform Media to the PodX Group is a significant step in building a leading global group within audio entertainment and beyond. Platform Media, with its status-quo-challenging approach, is one of the most exciting companies out there. They have truly pushed the boundaries for what it means to be a modern podcast company, and we see great potential to help scale the business in the UK and beyond. This acquisition further strengthens our position in the United Kingdom, and the English language market overall. We are acquiring a business with outstanding management at the highest level and a first-class track record. We wish Matthew, Matt, Rick, Paul and the rest of the team at Platform Media a very warm welcome.”

Its impressive commercial strategy and multi-channel approach will help bolster PodX’s existing global network of podcast companies across the UK, France, Nordics and Latin America, while this acquisition will enable Platform Media to expand to new international markets.

With over 50 members of staff and its own state-of-the-art studio in London, Platform Media will continue to be led by co-founders CEO Matthew Sherry, CSO Matt Sayward and executive director Rick Ankers. The team is also bolstered by the permanent addition of former Somethin’ Else COO Paul Burdin. Burdin, who joins in the newly created role of Chief Profit Officer, has played a critical part in the M&A process as a consultant.

👀 Employing? or trying to find a new job?

Do you need to hire for your podcast? Here's where you can post a job (for free). Come hang out with us at podworks.io if you are a professional podcast producer!

Reply

or to participate.

💥PodX Acquires UK's Platform Media: A Media Company Shaking Up Podcasting

More on Kangaroofern Media Lab

Got a News Tip?

👀 Employing? or trying to find a new job?

Reply