Ekspress Grupp’s digital subscriptions increased by 10% year-on-year
The number of digital subscriptions of AS Ekspress Grupp grew by 10% year-on-year across the Baltic states (0% in Q3 and 3% in the first nine months), reaching 244,500 subscriptions at the end of September.
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In Estonia, the number of digital subscriptions of AS Delfi Meedia, which publishes the news portal Delfi, daily newspapers Eesti Päevaleht and Maaleht, weekly newspaper Eesti Ekspress, and several popular magazines, increased by 8% year-on-year (1% in Q3, 6% in nine months), reaching 121,118 subscriptions.
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The number of digital subscriptions of AS Õhtuleht Kirjastus (50% owned by Ekspress Grupp) decreased by 5% year-on-year (1% in Q3, -2% in nine months), totalling 24,746 subscriptions.
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Geenius Meedia OÜ’s digital subscriptions decreased by 10% year-on-year (-8% in Q3, -8% in nine months), reaching 6,800 subscriptions.
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In Latvia, Delfi AS increased its number of digital subscriptions by 24% year-on-year (-3% in Q3, -6% in nine months), reaching 32,875 subscriptions.
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In Lithuania, Delfi UAB grew its digital subscriptions by 22% year-on-year (-1% in Q3, 7% in nine months), reaching 47,187 subscriptions.
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Lithuania’s media portal Lrytas UAB increased its digital subscriptions by 4% year-on-year (1% in Q3, 1% in nine months), reaching 11,774 subscriptions.
Comment by Mari-Liis Rüütsalu, CEO of Ekspress Grupp:
“Ekspress Grupp’s total number of digital subscriptions increased by 10% year-on-year, reaching 244,500 at the end of September. This is a strong double-digit growth rate, demonstrating the resilience of our business model in a challenging economic environment.
The third quarter was marked by stagnation across the Baltics, which is also reflected in our subscriber figures. Economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence continue to affect people’s willingness to start new subscriptions.
In Estonia, Delfi Meedia’s results show a steady 8% annual growth, which is an excellent achievement given that Delfi Meedia already has over 120,000 subscribers — a strong position in the local market. On a mature market, each new subscriber becomes increasingly valuable and requires more precise targeting and communication.
In Latvia and Lithuania, we continue to see strong interest in digital news, with annual growth rates of 24% and 22%, respectively, for Delfi portals. This confirms that these markets hold significant potential for further expansion. We are actively working on product development and targeted marketing in these countries to be ready for stronger growth once consumer confidence and the overall economy improve.
We believe that our investments in product quality and marketing activities create a solid foundation for the next wave of growth.”
Detailed overview of digital subscriptions
| Company | 30.09.2025 | 30.06.2025 | Change | 31.12.2024 | Change | 30.09.2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS Delfi Meedia | 121,118 | 119,811 | 1% | 114,631 | 6% | 112,520 | 8% |
| AS Õhtuleht Kirjastus | 24,746 | 24,460 | 1% | 25,257 | -2% | 26,127 | -5% |
| Geenius Meedia OÜ | 6,800 | 7,388 | -8% | 7,356 | -8% | 7,534 | -10% |
| Delfi AS (Latvia) | 32,875 | 33,840 | -3% | 35,082 | -6% | 26,552 | 24% |
| Delfi UAB (Lithuania) | 47,187 | 47,758 | -1% | 44,170 | 7% | 38,608 | 22% |
| Lrytas UAB (Lithuania) | 11,774 | 11,627 | 1% | 11,686 | 1% | 11,270 | 4% |
| Ekspress Grupp total | 244,500 | 244,884 | 0% | 238,182 | 3% | 222,611 | 10% |
The Group counts as a digital subscription only those subscriptions with a monthly value above one euro, billed separately and cancellable at any time.
Ekspress Grupp’s digital revenue base increasingly relies on income from digital subscriptions. The Group is progressing towards its long-term goal of reaching 340,000 digital subscribers across the Baltics by the end of 2026. These long-term targets were set and publicly announced at the beginning of 2022.
AS Ekspress Grupp is the leading media group in the Baltic states, engaged in online media content production, and publishing newspapers, magazines, and books. The Group also operates an electronic ticket sales platform and network and provides digital outdoor screen services in Estonia and Latvia. In addition, the Group’s companies organize conferences, training, and events mainly in Estonia and Lithuania, but also in Latvia. Ekspress Grupp was founded in 1989 and employs approximately 1,000 people.
Additional information:
Rain Sarapuu
Chief Financial Officer
rain.sarapuu@egrupp.ee