Focus Media


Focus Media Information Technology formerly Focus Media Holding is a Chinese company which operates the largest out-of-home advertising network in that country, consisting predominantly of digital signage screens, and claims to own the country's largest Internet advertising agency.

History

The company was founded in 2003, and its stock has been traded on the U.S. market since its IPO in July 2005. In May 2013, the company went private.
As of March 31, 2007, it reported that its network included:
In March 2007, Focus acquired Allyes Information Technology Company, China’s largest online ad agency.
Focus also sells advertising in cinemas and until 2008 operated a mobile telephone advertising business.
In December 2008, Focus reached an agreement with SINA Corporation that SINA would acquire most of Focus's digital out-of-home business, but the deal was abandoned in September 2009.
In May 2013, Focus Media was taken private in a $3.7 billion transaction by a consortium consisting of The Carlyle Group, FountainVest Partners, CITIC Capital, China Everbright as well as existing shareholders Jason Jiang and Fosun International. The company was then listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange by backdoor listing.

Alleged fraud

In November 2011, Muddy Waters Research reported massive fraud at the company. It alleged that the company
Focus denied the allegations. The Company was subsequently taken private by a private equity consortium in May 2013.