SOL Networks is an umbrella brand for 15+ projects. The board of Dating.com took this “strategic” decision, during the board meeting in Malta in the spring of 2019. The group plans to expand through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals, which will be announced in the near future.  

“Countless dating startups have popped up in recent years and we are eager to find ones that are a good fit for Dating.com Group’s ambitious goals,” said Alla Gubenko, board director in Dating.com Group. “Our key markets are Asia and the US, for their growth potential. We would love to make deals with companies targeting those areas in creative ways,” he added.

The company is developing its inorganic investment strategy and is looking to partner with early and late-stage companies in online dating, social interaction and live streaming markets, according to the press release.

Group anticipates expanding markets

Dating.com Group expects the market to grow to $3.74b in developed markets, with future growth expected in developing markets, speakers of the group announced during GDI Singapore Dating Conference 2019 – Global Dating Insights held on 13-14 May, based on research they carried out.

For instance, in China, dating companies have earned around $50m in revenue from mobile application downloads. In India, online dating platform Tinder was the top-grossing app on Google Play and the second-highest on Apple’s App Store at the end of 2018.

“The iPhone’s disruptive potential cannot be overstated. The way people conduct their lives and interact is evolving. Companies must provide creative, tailored solutions to prosper in the next decade,” said Yuri Papadin, Head of M&A and Corporate Development at Dating.com Group.

Focusing on app improvements, the research also revealed that customers are looking for more than “superficial pictures” usually posted on such platforms and the swiping-nature of selecting date parties. Therefore, Badoo — another dating platform — is preparing to switch “swiping” for live streaming after a survey of users found that 68% dislike swiping. Tinder has also partnered with Foursquare to set up “real-life” dates, the press statement says.

“It was great sharing our insights at the GDI conference. Since the market may be cooling a bit, it is more important than ever that companies do their homework and tailor dating platforms to a specific niche,” said Maria Sullivan, the head of the Dating.com Group’s New York office.

Dating.com Group is a global social discovery platform, enabling people from around the globe to connect through the power of shared interests and mutual benefits. Dating.com Group has offices in seven countries and a team of over 500 professionals and over 73 million users.

SOL Networks is an international internet-holding company headquartered in Malta. It specialises in the creation and promotion of websites where users can expand their social and business connections.

The post Dating.com to dip toe in expanding US, Asian markets first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

This is the third year in a row KPMG has earned this ranking by the organisation formerly known as Thomson Reuters Mid-Market M&A Review.

“We are thrilled that KPMG has once again been ranked as the leading mid-market provider of M&A services. This reaffirms the trust that the markets we serve have in the ability of our people to help them execute their growth strategies,” says Hermione Arciola, Director of Advisory Services at KPMG in Malta.

“We are pleased to see the network retain its leading position in M&A, an achievement which we seek to replicate locally via our constant interaction with business owners and senior management focusing on identifying opportunities for parties to get together and unlock value” commented David Pace, Partner, Head of Advisory at KPMG in Malta.

“Additionally our investment in a strong multi-disciplinary skill set means that we can journey together from the initial thinking through to reach-outs, negotiation, and integration/separation,” Mr Pace adds.

With more than 2,500 professionals in over 80 countries, KPMG’s Deal Advisory M&A network includes investment bankers with a global industry reach. Refinitiv rankings place KPMG as the leading mid-market advisor among the Big 4 and M&A boutique firms.

Refinitiv’s Financial Advisor Review shows that KPMG led the M&A field in 2018 for Undisclosed Values & Values up to $500m, with 507 deals. KPMG also came in first place in the European Involvement Mid-Market Rankings with 327 deals.

“As the market evolves, bringing strategic and holistic value to clients remains our top priority, whether that means building stronger sector networks or enhancing our leading data & analytic capabilities,” says Leif Zierz, KPMG’s Global Head of Deal Advisory.

“We are proud of our professionals who work shoulder-to-shoulder with clients from understanding the value story to helping achieve their strategic goals,” says Phil Isom, KPMG’s Global Head of M&A.

KPMG Malta is a civil partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG International.

The post KPMG tops Refinitiv’s Mid-Market M&A charts in 2018 first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.