Media Press Publisher To Go Under The Hammer

Quantum Business Media, publisher of Media Week and Press Gazette has been put up for sale with an estimated price tag of £30 million.

According to a report in this morning’s Times, the publisher is to be sold to the highest bidder by its venture capitalist owner, ABN Amro Capital, following several takeover offers in recent months.

Financial advisory firm RSM Robson Rhodes has reportedly been appointed to handle the company’s sale and will liase with prospective buyers, handling bids from interested parties. The company has performed well recently, notching up profits of £2 million in 2003, with total sales worth £22 million.

The sale will bring to an end ABN Amro Capital’s four year ownership of the publisher, following its purchase from ferry operator P&O in 2000. The company was founded in 1979 in a buyout from Emap. P&O’s exhibitions business later became its majority shareholder and operated it as one of several peripheral operations.

In addition to its business to business media titles, Quantum publishes several industry magazines for the home interior, food and drink and medical industries. The company also operates annual awards for the industries it serves, including the British Press Awards.

Speculation has surfaced that prospective owners may seek persuade ABN Amro Capital to break Quantum up prior to purchase, enabling buyers to cherry pick what they deem to be the most lucrative elements of its business. Among several high-profile magazines run by the company is The Publican, serving the UK’s bar and pub industry and understood to be worth around £15 million.

Quantum Business Media: 0207 295 8537 www.quantumbusinessmedia.com

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