exclusive: jcdecaux eyes clear channel outdoor european assets - sources - outdoor advertising

New York/London (Reuters)-JCDecaux SA (JCDX. PA)
The world's largest outdoor advertising group is exploring the acquisition of European advertising assets in the United States. S.
Competitor Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings LimitedCCO. N)
According to people familiar with the matter.
The deal will combine European assets of the two largest outdoor advertising companies to help Degao survive the continent's recession.
This could also lead to a review by regulators of antitrust issues.
In recent weeks, JCDecaux has met with the investment bank and appointed a financial advisor who will help to make an offer for the European asset of Clear Channel Outdoor, which may be worth more than 2
5 billion, the people said on Monday.
Two people familiar with the matter said that in order to solve the potential antitrust problem, Degao is considering working with a private equity company and then dividing the assets.
However, people familiar with the matter added that Degao may bid on his own.
In the news on Monday, Clear Channel Outdoor shares rose 6% and closed up 1. 7%, $8.
On the New York Stock Exchange.
Reuters reported last month that debt
The parent company of Clear Channel Outdoor, after receiving an offer from private equity companies, is exploring options for its European Outdoor advertising business. Moelis & Co (MC. N)
Citigroup (C. N)
People familiar with the matter said they are advising Clear Channel Outdoor on potential sales of European assets.
Since the deliberations were non-public, it was requested that the sources not be identified.
Clear decaux, Clear Channel Outdoor and Citigroup declined to comment, while a Moelis spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.
Clear Channel, which has the largest European market in France and the UK, earns revenue from brand rental signboard spaces.
According to the company's website, the company also has billboards in Italy, Sweden, Turkey, Poland and the Baltic Sea.
Its assets include signs at airports such as shopping malls, buses and London Heathrow.
The parent company of Clear Channel has been trying to cut $20.
5 billion of debt
The company unloaded assets such as 50% of Australian broadcasting network shares, which it sold to APN News and Media Co. , Ltd. earlier this year. AX.
Richard Bressler, president and chief financial officer of Clear Channel Outdoor, said at a meeting on October.
The conference call said Western Europe was a big driver of the company's sales this year. Paris-
Headquartered in Degao, the market value is 6.
1 billion euros ($7. 5 billion)
Make two bucks.
It's growing faster in Europe and elsewhere.
Growing markets such as North America, China and Latin America.
At an investor meeting in Barcelona last month, JCDecaux co-
Jean-President
Francois Deco said Scale provides an advantage in the outdoor advertising business.
"Competition Authority (in Europe)
"We are more relaxed about industry integration than we were ten years ago," he said . ".
The Deco family owns 72% of the company.
About 88% of Clear Channel Outdoor is owned by iHeartMedia, which was privatized in 2008 by the acquisition company Bain Capital Co. , Ltd. and Thomas H.
Partner Li of $19 billion
The outdoor advertising market has experienced integration in the past year.
In July, CBS Outdoor America acquired Van Wagner, a smaller peer company, for $0. 69 billion.
CBS sold its international outdoor business to private equity firm Platinum equity LLC last year.