Axel Springer AG and PubliGroupe AG have agreed to a joint acquisition of Berlin-based online marketing/ad tech firm Zanox.de AG for EUR214.9 million ($289 Million) plus an earn out. (via VentureBeat.) Axel Springer (Berlin) is covering 60 percent of the cost with PubliGroupe (Lausanne) paying 40 percent. The company will be split in two on a geographic basis with each buyer holding a majority interest in one and a minority interest in the other. Founders Thomas Hessler (CEO), Jens Hewald (CTO) and Heiko Rauch (COO/CFO) will run the two companies. The deal, which would be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2007, is subject to approval of oauthorities in Austria, Switzerland and Germany. 

Founded in 2000, Zanox, which provides a blend of technology, services and a sales network, claims to have 1 million “sales partners” in 180-plus countries and to provide multichannel commerce in 30 countries.  Customers include Amazon, Procter & Gamble, Citibank and Vodafone. Release.