Other investments

Mediahuis firmly believes in the power of its core activities, while simultaneously looking ahead. Changing market conditions call for a broader view and investments that strengthen long-term growth potential. By investing in activities beyond traditional media, we can explore new markets and build a robust, forward-looking business model. Below is a selection from our wide portfolio of holdings.

Mather Economics: a growth
driver

Mediahuis has a 75% holding in Mather Economics, an Atlanta-based company founded in 2002 that has become a global leader in customer intelligence and predictive data analytics. Mather Economics helps organisations better understand their customers’ behaviour and translates those insights into higher sales and margins.

The company has particular expertise in subscription revenue yield management and supports publishers to build and maintain sustainable relationships with both subscribers and advertisers. Sophi, an advanced AI‑driven platform offering automation and optimisation technology for newsrooms, has been an integral part of Mather since 2023.

Perlego: affordable studying, globally accessible

In 2022, Mediahuis made its first investment in Perlego, the world’s largest online textbook subscription service. Perlego’s aim is to make higher education more affordable and accessible by giving students unlimited access to a comprehensive library of educational content and study aids.

The platform combines the catalogues of the majority of international textbook publishers in a single user-friendly all-you-can-read model. This gives students around the world access to quality learning resources at an affordable price, while offering a sustainable distribution model to publishers.

RouteYou: outdoor experiences for millions of users

Mediahuis acquired Belgium’s RouteYou, the world’s most advanced route planner, in 2023. The navigation platform helps users discover itineraries for outdoor activities such as hiking, walking and cycling.

RouteYou’s app and website make finding and planning routes – or outdoor experiences – simple and accessible. With nearly 12 million routes, 4.5 million places of interest and 15 million unique visitors a year, RouteYou combines inspiration with ease of use.

Flanders Classics: iconic cycle races with global appeal

When you think of cycling, you think of Flanders. Mediahuis has a 50% stake in Flanders Classics, one of the world’s largest and most influential organisers of professional cycling races.

Since its founding in 2010, Flanders Classics has brought together the most important Flemish spring races under one umbrella. The portfolio includes iconic events like the Tour of Flanders, Omloop Nieuwsblad, Gent-Wevelgem and Dwars door Vlaanderen. Every year, the company organises around 70 professional and amateur cycling races.

Polarsteps: the modern explorer’s travel buddy

Polarsteps is a leading travel app that helps more than 19 million people around the world plan, track and relive their journeys. What started as an automated tracker grew into a true travel partner that combines route planning, trip sharing and storytelling in one platform.

Based in Amsterdam, an international team is building innovative features such as AI-powered planners, accommodation and Trip Reels. Recognition by the Financial Times as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies highlights the strong international growth and scale potential of this digital platform.