SMC Group’s media and advertising arm, SMC Media, and Aleph Group, Inc. (Aleph) have signed a term sheet to establish a strategic joint venture that will manage newly acquired digital advertising assets across the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region.

The agreement also outlines the framework for a minority acquisition by SMC Media in Aleph’s global operations, reinforcing both companies’ shared commitment to advancing digital transformation and innovation.

The proposed joint venture will combine Aleph’s global infrastructure, digital advertising expertise, and international platform partnerships with SMC Media’s regional scale and media leadership. This integration is expected to further strengthen Aleph’s presence in the Middle East while delivering a comprehensive digital ecosystem across the MENAT region.

Together, the companies aim to offer the full portfolio of both organizations’ products and services, unlocking new revenue opportunities while maintaining existing partnerships and strengthening the local digital economy.

Through its minority investment in Aleph Group, SMC Media will gain access to Aleph’s extensive global network, which spans more than 50 international platform partners and operations in over 130 markets worldwide, as well as Aleph’s fintech operations. This move will enhance SMC Media’s position as a global digital player, extending its reach beyond the MENAT region.

“This partnership represents a strategic step to advance our expertise in media across the globe amid rapid sector growth. It also reinforces our commitment to advancing digital transformation and innovation across the MENA region,” said Mohamed Al-Khereiji, Chairman of SMC Group. “By combining SMC Media’s extensive advertising inventory and regional expertise with Aleph’s global capabilities, we are well-positioned to deliver cutting-edge digital advertising solutions that unlock new opportunities and support the growth of the regional digital economy.”

“We are thrilled to welcome SMC Media as a strategic partner,” said Gastón Taratuta, Founder and CEO of Aleph Group. “Their leadership in the MENAT region perfectly complements our mission to accelerate digital growth worldwide. Together, we will create new opportunities for brands, small businesses, and young professionals to thrive in the digital economy through marketing and fintech services.”

The partnership also aligns with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, supporting digital transformation, innovation, and private-sector collaboration as key drivers of economic diversification and sustainable growth.

*The transaction is subject to due diligence, definitive documentation, board and shareholder approvals at both global and regional levels, and customary regulatory processes.