"Dentsu's efforts to offload its international operations are faltering, as interest from potential buyers and private equity firms dries up, heightening pressure on the Japanese advertising group's leadership. The company has been exploring a sale of its overseas business since last year, including its UK-based international arm, which generated over USD$4.5bn (£3.33 bn) in net revenues in 2024. Initial discussions with global ad groups and financial sponsors have largely stalled."
"Sources familiar with the process said trade buyers and private equity firm Apollo withdrew from negotiations in 2025, leaving Bain Capital as the sole remaining suitor. While Bain reportedly retained some interest, concerns over the business's performance and complexity appear to have dampened momentum. Dentsu executives have now signalled internally that a sale is unlikely to proceed, effectively bringing the divestment process to a standstill."
"Technology minister Liz Kendall told lawmakers that ministers are seeking a "reset" to ensure creators are protected while also enabling AI-driven innovation and economic growth. Initial plans, part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's drive to position Britain as a global AI leader, would have allowed developers to train AI models on any content they could legally access, unless creators opted out."
"Netflix eyeing a cash deal for Warner Bros. and HBO Max."
Dentsu's attempt to sell its international operations is faltering as interest from potential buyers and private equity firms has dried up, increasing pressure on the company's leadership. The UK-based international arm generated over USD$4.5bn in net revenues in 2024, yet initial discussions with global ad groups and financial sponsors have largely stalled. Trade buyers and Apollo withdrew in 2025, leaving Bain Capital as the lone suitor, but concerns about performance and complexity have dampened momentum and led executives to signal the sale is unlikely. The UK government is revisiting AI-related copyright reform, with Technology Minister Liz Kendall calling for a "reset" to protect creators while enabling AI innovation. Netflix is reportedly pursuing a cash acquisition of Warner Bros. and HBO Max.
#dentsu-divestment #advertising-industry #ai-copyright-reform #creators-compensation #netflix-warner-acquisition
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