Fast growing media business Metropolis Group continues its growth strategy by announcing today that it has acquired Cyclist, Viz and Fortean Times from Broadleaf Group, the holding company of Autovia, Expert Reviews and formerly Dennis.
Cyclist is the world’s leading road cycling media brand, delivering high-quality journalism, photography, video and experience across its website, magazine and track events, serving a premium audience of engaged cyclists. Viz is Britain’s 3rd or 4th (possibly 5th) funniest magazine, now in its 42nd year, with a growing subscriber base of loyal readers, 44% of whom enjoy reading Viz on the loo. Fortean Times is the monthly magazine of news, reviews and research on strange phenomena. The three mainly subscriber-based brands together have 72,000 magazine readers.
Metropolis Group was founded in 1994 and has grown both organically and via acquisition into one of the British Isles’ leading niche media owners with over 400 staff and 40 brands.
Robert Marr, Chief Executive of Metropolis Group, said:
“The acquisition continues the development of Metropolis and our vision of creating sustainable long-term futures for great media brands. We look forward to working together with the three teams to further develop these brands in our Diamond niche consumer media business.”
Dharmesh Mistry, MD Specialist Titles at Broadleaf, commented:
“Publishing these iconic lifestyle brands over two decades has been a thrilling ride and a genuine pleasure. We’re pleased to have found in Metropolis suitable custodians for the next stage of their journey.”