Since the split from Schibsted Media June 2024, Schibsted Marketplaces has operated as a separate and independent marketplaces company, which owns popular marketplace platforms FINN in Norway, Blocket in Sweden, Tori and Oikotie in Finland, and DBA and Bilbasen in Denmark.
“In order to build our own identity and progress towards becoming “one company”, it has been important to create a new brand name and identity that clearly separates us from Schibsted, and signals that we are a standalone entity. A new brand and name will provide clarity and direction, help us align our strategy and structure, and foster a unified company culture,” says Christian Printzell Halvorsen, CEO of Schibsted Marketplaces.
The company will continue to operate under the name Schibsted Marketplaces until the official launch of Vend in Q2 2025. The new name and brand will then be rolled out across the company’s platforms, replacing Schibsted Marketplaces. Schibsted Media will continue to use the Schibsted brand.
“The role of Vend will not only be to replace Schibsted Marketplaces, but to gradually take on a larger responsibility as a consumer-facing and employer brand. However, it is important to note that Vend will not replace our strong local brands FINN, Blocket, DBA, Bilbasen, Oikotie and Tori. Instead, we will embrace an endorsed architecture.Vend will act as a parent/mother brand that represents the overall company.” says Christian Printzell Halvorsen, CEO at Schibsted Marketplaces.
Photo: JCP EVENT
A place to meet
The name Vend is inspired by the spirit of commerce and reflects the essence of meeting points – places where people can connect to find what they need, whether it’s a job, a home, a way to move, or a fresh start.
“The name is short and memorable and it clearly connects to our industry by emphasising the act of selling, while also subtly nodding to sustainability and transformation through its dual meaning with the Scandinavian word “vend” (to turn),” adds Printzell Halvorsen.
The branding strategy has been developed together with Noa Consulting, while the visual profile has been a project together with design agency Bold Scandinavia. More than a 100 names have been candidates, but the company landed on a name suggested by one of its employees.
Full launch planned for Q2 2025
With the official brand launch in Q2, Schibsted Marketplaces will also embrace a new corporate and visual identity.
“There are several parts of the process that still need to be finalized, but since the brand name now has been decided, we wanted to share it with our employees and the world, so that everyone can be included in the exciting journey towards becoming Vend,” says Printzell Halvorsen.
Contact persons:
- Kristine Eia Kirkholm – Director of Communications, SMP (Phone: +47 932 47 875, Email: kristine.eia.kirkholm@schibsted.com)
- Nathalie Kåvin – Corporate Communications Manager, SMP (Phone: +47 934 01 363, Email: nathalie.kavin@schibsted.com)
- Adéle Cappelen Blystad – Communications Manager, SMP Norway (Phone: +47 922 41 905, Email: adele.blystad@schibsted.com)
