JCDecaux plots international expansion

PARIS: JCDecaux, the world's second-largest outdoor advertising company, has indicated its interest in bucking the economic malaise and making acquisitions in both America and emerging markets.

The French group has long harboured ambitions of gaining a foothold in the US, which accounts for 40% of the world market. A purchase of either Clear Channel Outdoor or CBS Outdoor – currently the first and third largest operators respectively – would also propel JCDecaux into top spot in its category.

Following release of its first-half results, company chief executive Jean-Francois Decaux commented that whilst Clear Channel was often touted as a possible target, "CBS Outdoor is another US-based player that could be of interest for us … one feels that outdoor advertising is not a core business. What matters to them is media content."

He also indicated that JCDecaux was considering its options for growth in other markets, including Asia, Africa and the Middle East.