AUCKLAND, Today: Stuff Group and Trade Me are teaming up, with Trade Me taking a 50% stake in Stuff Digital — home to Aotearoa’s biggest website, stuff.co.nz.
The deal brings together two iconic Kiwi brands — Trade Me, a hub for property, motors, jobs and more, and Stuff, New Zealand’s most visited digital news platform.
Trade Me Chief Executive Anders Skoe says the partnership reflects their purpose. “For 26 years, Trade Me has supported New Zealanders through all life’s milestones. This is an exciting investment to accelerate our growth by connecting with even more Kiwi to help them live the life they’ve always dreamed of.”
Stuff Owner and Publisher Sinead Boucher says it’s the right time, and the right partner. “This is the first time since the management buy out of Stuff five years ago that I have accepted an equity partner into the business,” she says.
“It was important to me that we found the right partner at the right time in our growth strategy, protecting our fiercely independent media business which is loved and trusted by millions of New Zealanders.
“Trade Me is that partner – a great Kiwi success story with the largest property and motoring audiences in New Zealand. Combined with the largest and most engaged digital news audience in the country, this deal provides for brilliant new opportunities together, and for Stuff Group, continued investment in technology and talent for the future.”
“Stuff is New Zealand’s most dynamic and loved media company and its mission to have a positive impact on New Zealanders’ lives aligns with our purpose of connecting Kiwi to create the life they want.” – Anders Skoe
Skoe says it’s a natural fit. “Stuff is New Zealand’s most dynamic and loved media company and its mission to have a positive impact on New Zealanders’ lives aligns with our purpose of connecting Kiwi to create the life they want.”
He says the benefits for Trade Me Property customers are clear. “This acquisition will enable vendors and agents to reach an even wider pool of prospective buyers while empowering buyers with every resource to navigate the property market with confidence.
“Together, we can generate the highest quality property market insights and keep all of Aotearoa informed. This will not only strengthen our existing offering, but enable us to continue to play a pivotal role in the Kiwi property journey.”
Under the agreement, Stuff’s property section will be co-branded with Trade Me Property. Listings, ads and some content will be shared across both platforms.
Editorial independence will remain intact. Boucher says Stuff’s values won’t be compromised and Trade Me has committed to its Editorial Code of Ethics and Practice.
Boucher will chair the Stuff Digital Ltd board, with Skoe and equal representation from both businesses. A casting vote gives Stuff ongoing operational control. The 50% stake applies to Stuff Digital only and doesn’t include Stuff Group’s publishing titles, events arm or Neighbourly.
The deal is expected to close in the coming months, with financial terms remaining under wraps.
Share this Post
