Ouest-France Group: History

Chronology

This chronology is indicative only. Context is provided by the broader communications and media timeline.

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1971 launch of Aix Hebdo free newspaper in Aix-en-Provence by SPIR is followed by creation or acquisition of free newspapers in Bouches-du-Rhône and Côte d’Azur areas

1975 takes major stake in Rotosud printers.

1979 letterbox distribution business S.D.P founded

1985 buys SONODIP distribution service

1985 launches free paper in Le Havre

1985 Rotosud opens print site in Rouen

1986 online arm created

1987 SPIR restructured

1987 free newspaper in Lyon gains circulation of 460,000 per week

1988 SPIR launches new titles in Saint-Etienne, Vienne, and Villefranche

1989 SPIR goes public

1990 launches four new titles in Savoie for total of 40 newspapers (3.5 million copies per week

1991 Ouest France buys SPIR

1992 Ouest France buys distribution arm of Carillon newspaper group in Central and Western France

1994 SPIR titles grow to 68 newspapers (6 million copies per week

1996 Ouest France buys Carillon Group - SPIR's titles rise to 104 (circulation of 9 million copies over 42 departments), with addition of eight pre-press centres, 4 print sites and 109 distribution centres

1997 stake in Le Galibot Group - 22 free newspapers and 18 distribution centres - is increased to 66%.

1998 buys Concept Multimedia - 3 free real-estate magazines, LOGIC.immo and Paris weekly Boum Boum.