Marketplaces

Mediahuis Marketplaces connects consumers and professional sellers on major decisions: finding a home, buying a car, looking for a job or organising personal finances. With strong
brands in property, automotive, recruitment and comparison platforms, we build ecosystems that centre on user-friendliness.

Marketplaces creates diversification alongside our news business. At the same time, we accelerate growth by contributing capital and expertise to mergers and acquisitions, so we can scale up brands and develop new businesses.

Accelerated growth through focused choices and strong results

Mediahuis Marketplaces took further steps to expand its portfolio in 2025. Several brands grew through targeted investments in reach, marketing and product, bringing greater sales and profitability. Switcher.ie in Ireland enjoyed exceptional growth thanks to a large-scale campaign on radio, TV and social media, as well as through our own news brands. In the automotive sector, Carzone and CarsIreland saw a strong increase in listings.

The year was also marked by some important strategic choices and portfolio developments. We strengthened our position with the acquisitions of DGN Groep, a major player in the Dutch comparison market, and Smooved, a Belgian scale-up in property technology. In addition, AutoTrack and Gaspedaal became part of AutoScout24, one of Europe’s leading vehicle platforms.

DGN Groep: a strategic step into Dutch comparison market

Our acquisition of DGN Groep marks a strategic move into the Dutch comparison market. DGN is a leading player with more than 25 years of experience, helping more than 4 million people a year to make sound financial choices. Via the ZorgKiezer, EnergieKiezer and DeGoedkoopsteNotaris platforms, the group offers independent advice on health and insurance, energy providers and notaries.

For Mediahuis Marketplaces, this acquisition – which has been approved by the Financial Markets Authority – is a milestone that strengthens our position in the European comparison market. Through DGN, we want to offer even better support to consumers making major life decisions.

Zimmo Group boosts position with Smooved acquisition

Zimmo Group took a big step into the Belgian property technology industry with the acqui sition of Smooved, a fast-growing scale-up that simplifies the real estate market. Since its launch in 2019, Smooved has grown into a major player and today the company supports more than one in five property transactions in Belgium.

Smooved’s innovative platform makes life easier for movers by arranging their meter takeovers and optimising their energy and telecoms contracts. It also collects authentic reviews on HouseMatch, the “Tripadvisor for estate agents”. This provides consumers with transparent information and helps them quickly find the right agent for their circumstances.

With this strategic integration, Zimmo Group has strengthened its position as a 360° partner for both agents and clients. The collaboration opens the door to new innovations and an even more complete range of services. Agents gain additional tools to increase client satisfaction and win more custom, while consumers enjoy a smooth, hassle-free moving experience.