text: Metro International - SFN Blog
  Metro International reports 2Q profit
  Metro International has announced a €476,000 (£398,000) net profit in the second quarter, due to impressing performances in Sweden and Hong Kong, Brand Republic reported.
  The publisher, which has eagerly expanded to become one of the largest newspaper groups by footprint around the world, posted its second quarter net revenues at €57.3 million (£47.9 million), compared to €60.7 million (£50.75 million) one year ago, according to a company press release.
  However, the company still lost €5.3 million (£4.4 million) in the first half of 2010, after the €5.8 million loss in the first quarter. Because of its free newspaper model, the company solely relies on advertising, which has forced it to reduce costs and pull back during the economic downturn. Last year it shut down its operations in Spain, due to the advertising slump, Brand Republic reported.
  Metro launches free sports title in Mexico
  Metro International S.A. announced that Publimetro, its Mexican version, is launching a bi-weekly free sports title with local partners Inmobiliaria Torraco and MX Shares in Mexico City, a press release posted by MarketWatch announced today.
  In Mexico, the sports advertising market is valued at US$28.4 million per year. It is currently dominated by Record, a paid title, with 70 percent share, according to Market Watch.
  Publisport, with 100 percent sports related content, will be the first free paper in the market. It will have a daily circulation of 40,000, delivered Monday and Friday.
  According to Mikael Jensen, President and CEO of Metro International, "Given the size of the market for sports advertising in Mexico, launching a sports publication under the Metro umbrella is a logical step. This step is furthermore a good example of Metro's strategy to grow in present markets by brand extensions."
  Besides at Publimetro's distribution points, the free title will also be handed out at sports related distributions points, such as stadiums and gyms. It is targeted 18-49 year old male sports amateurs, Newspaper Innovation reported.