Future Publishing Acquires TV Technology Parent NewBay Media

LONDON—TV Technology publisher NewBay Media has been acquired by Future for $13.8 million.

Based in London and New York, NewBay's substantial B2B portfolio operates in verticals including Electronics and Education, TV and Audio. Its business is mainly in the provision of conferences, magazines, events, digital content and data services. It also has a large consumer division in the Music vertical where it publishes magazines including Music Week, Bass Player, Guitar World and Electronic Musician.

The deal expands Future’s reach into the U.S. market and enhances its position in music and consumer electronics. In addition, the acquisition brings B2B titles in the complementary verticals of audio visual, television broadcasting and educational technology, which will further increase Future’s revenue diversification model whilst also bringing B2B expertise to its existing titles.

The acquisition increases Future’s total owned brands to more than 100 across print, events and online, with a total global reach of over 120 million.

Zillah Byng-Thorne, CEO of Future, said: “NewBay is clearly aligned with Future in its mission to create content that connects, with market leading titles. “This acquisition supports our strategy of growth organically and through acquisition, global expansion and revenue diversification. “We have a proven track record of acquisition and successful integration. This deal will be earnings enhancing and drive further organic growth in revenue and profitability in the first full year.”

Steve Palm, President & CEO of NewBay, added: “The NewBay team’s expertise in engaging business decision makers, and providing solutions to sellers around the globe—through events, digital content, and marketing services—complements Future’s capabilities, creating a unique platform and exciting growth trajectory.

"This combination will result in new and better opportunities for both NewBay and Future partners to expand reach and depth of customer interactions throughout the buyer’s journey. Delivering data-driven brand and product awareness, thought leadership and demand for our partners will only be enhanced.

"I am proud of the many accomplishments made by the NewBay team over the last few years in the areas of events, marketing services and digital content, and I am equally excited to work alongside my new colleagues at Future to further grow our ability to delight our millions of users and thousands of partners.”

Tom Butts

Tom has covered the broadcast technology market for the past 25 years, including three years handling member communications for the National Association of Broadcasters followed by a year as editor of Video Technology News and DTV Business executive newsletters for Phillips Publishing. In 1999 he launched digitalbroadcasting.com for internet B2B portal Verticalnet. He is also a charter member of the CTA's Academy of Digital TV Pioneers. Since 2001, he has been editor-in-chief of TV Tech (www.tvtech.com), the leading source of news and information on broadcast and related media technology and is a frequent contributor and moderator to the brand’s Tech Leadership events.