According to sources familiar with the matter, the German media group Axel Springer is contemplating the sale of its affiliate marketing unit Awin following last year's decision to break up its ownership. Awin, which aids publishers in advertising products from advertisers, is up for sale, with banks being approached to provide advisory services for the transaction. Estimated to be valued at around 400 million euros, Awin is part of the larger marketing unit that also includes Idealo, a price comparison website, which is currently being reviewed. The group's spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.

The decision to sell Awin follows the 13.5 billion euro deal made by German billionaire Mathias Doepfner and private equity firm KKR to break up Axel Springer. As a result of the deal, Doepfner, Friede Springer, and KKR will take control of various segments of the media business. KKR had previously acquired a minority stake in Axel Springer for 3 billion euros in 2019.

Awin, established in 2000, operates a global affiliate network with a large workforce and a wide network of publishers and advertisers. The potential sale of Awin is expected to attract interest from private equity firms and other affiliate marketing networks.