Outdoor players list to cash in on China ad boom

SHANGHAI: China outdoor operators Media Nation and Media Partners International have raised HK$445 million (US$57m) and $367 million respectively from listings in Hong Kong to fund mainland expansion.

MediaNation, which owns advertising rights to 25 per cent of China's bus fleet and is the agent for five metro lines in Beijing and Shanghai, plans to use $300 million to expand its network. MPI will use its funds to set up a joint-venture company across the Hong Kong border in Shenzhen to develop a network of billboards and bus shelters. In 2000, MPI posted more than $56 million in pre-tax earnings, and MediaNation earned $100 million before taxes.