Publisher National World announced the acquisitions of Manchester-based Insider Media Limited and the Rotherham Advertiser as part of its strategy “to create a fully digitised multi-platform premium content and sales business.”
National World said Insider Media Limited is “the UK’s leading regional B2B media company” with a loyal following of its business information data, online newsletters and business-orientated magazines and digital content.
“It organises over 90 market-leading regional events and breakfast seminars across the UK relevant to the interests of its customers,” said National World.
“The acquisition deepens the diversity of National World’s news model and will grow its events business. In the post-acquisition period ending 31 December 2023, it expects to achieve revenues of £5.6 million and £1.0 million EBITDA before exceptional costs.”
National World said the Rotherham Advertiser acquisition complements its reach across the South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire markets.
“The five acquisitions completed by the group since December 2022, including Insider and Rotherham Advertiser, will more than compensate for the recent downturn in advertising sales that has impacted the whole sector,” said National World.
“Since the year-end, National World has made the final deferred instalment of £2.5 million in respect of the purchase of JPIMedia Group acquired in 2021 and following the two acquisitions announced today its cash balances remain in excess of £20 million.”
National World chairman David Montgomery said: “Over the last 12 months we have made a number of targeted investments and acquisitions designed to accelerate our progress, increase our capabilities and grow the audience for our high-quality content.
“National World offers a unique combination of digital news, specialist content and targeted audience engagement, helping it build deeper relationships with its readers and users.
“Today’s acquisitions are in line with that strategy as we reposition the business towards our new operating model.”