With effect from 1 October 2013 Forum Media Group takes over the Australian Next Media Group. As a result Forum Media Group increases the expected annual turnover for 2014 by approximately 40 percent.
“We are present in many European countries, we have a subsidiary in China and we want more international markets conquer: As part of our global expansion, the Australian acquisition is therefore a logical next step,” said Ronald Herkert, the managing partner of the Forum Media Group . The company acquires the shares of the Australian Next Media Group from private equity firm Wolseley, by David Gardiner (CEO Next Media) and Bruce Duncan (CFO Next Media). The year 2013, in which the Forum Media Group celebrated its 25th anniversary, has been particularly successful for the group of companies: After acquisitions in Russia and Hungary, now follows the step across the pond.
Public media for the Australian market
Next Media (www.nextmedia.com.au) emerged in the past five years through the merger of three specialized magazine publishers and further purchases of individual stocks and licenses. Thus, the group grew to be the fourth largest magazine publisher in Australia. The publisher publishes 40 consumer magazines for a variety of audiences that are market leaders in their segment in part. The portfolio includes lifestyle, technology and sports media as well as magazines for children and motorsport fans. In addition, Next Media publishes books and digital media.
Expansion strategy of Forum Media Group
With the acquisition of Next Media, the Bavarian Forum Media Group strengthens its business public media. As with the acquisitions in Russia and Hungary are well versed in Australia on the experience of the officers and employees of the new subsidiary: The management also remains on board as the 120 employees of Next Media. Both in Australia and in neighboring Asian markets, the Forum Media Group wants to grow dynamically. In addition, the company is still looking for attractive additional purchase, investment and cooperation opportunities, both in Germany and worldwide.
About the Forum Media Group
Information, education and entertainment: these are the divisions of the forum Media Group, based in Merching, Bavaria. The Advanced Media Group, which is represented by 25 independent companies in 16 countries, was founded in 1988. The company produces print and online media and software products. Offers for education and training complement the portfolio. Worldwide, the Forum Media Group in the future about 900 employees and a turnover of EUR 80 million.
About FORUM MEDIA ventures
FORUM MEDIA Ventures, a subsidiary of the international media group FORUM MEDIA GROUP, supported founders and startups with promising ideas in the areas of information, education and entertainment capital and the long-standing expertise of the media group. More information is available at www.forum-media.com/ventures and www.facebook.com / Forum Media Ventures to find.