Jabbar Internet Group, a pioneer in creating and investing in leading technology companies, has announced a major investment in Dubai-based News Group.

A global provider of media analytics and social engagement solutions, News Group .

Jabbar said the deal is likely to be followed by further investment from the company and other investors over the next few months.

The investment will support News Group’s organic growth in the young but fast-growing media intelligence sector in the region and international markets, said a senior official.  

“We have watched News Group and its core businesses, including Media Watch, Salience and Social Eyez, for several years,” remarked Samih Toukan, the chairman of Jabbar Internet Group.

"The company has demonstrated remarkable growth year-on-year and has a loyal customer base of over 1,000 corporate and governmental entities around the world," he noted.

“News Group’s clear leadership in media intelligence and its fast growing social analytics, engagement and content marketing services are very exciting and we are confident that our investment comes at the best possible time for both Jabbar Internet Group and News Group,” he added.

Mazen Nahawi, the president of News Group, described Jabbar as an excellent partner. "The company and its leadership, represented by Samih Toukan and Hussam Khoury, is an example of the best entrepreneurial organisations in our region and we are delighted to welcome them as private investors into the company," he noted.

“All invested funds will go to support our growth; we will focus on expanded product development, technology innovation and geographic expansion,” he stated.

"The financial element is important, but the personal support and contribution of Jabbar’s leadership to overall planning and strategic development at News Group will prove invaluable," he added.

News Group, founded in 2002, specialises in the sourcing, distribution, creation, monitoring and analysis of news content in 30 countries across the Middle East, Africa and the Indian sub-continent. The firm owns and operates seven subsidiaries and employs over 300 people.

The global media intelligence industry is currently valued at $4 billion globally and is growing 15 per cent year-on-year, according to estimates by News Group.-TradeArabia News Service