Bauer Media has sold five Adventures titles as it puts in place its plans to streamline the company under new CEO Nick Chan.
The magazine brands impacted include Caravan World, Campertrailer Australia, Motorhome and Caravan Trader, Travelin and Turu. The titles fall under Bauer Trader Media, which is the transport, motoring, caravan and marine specialist division.
Robert Gallagher, the current general manager of the Adventures publications, leads the group of investors buying the Bauer brands. He has created a new business, Adventures Group Holdings, to serve the magazines and associated websites.
The move follows the announcement of Bauer's restructure.
Chan says: “In line with our strategy of focusing resources and investment on five key consumer and customer segments, we have taken the decision to sell the Adventures titles. This allows us to concentrate our efforts on Trader’s motoring and industry brands where we hold leadership positions and see the opportunity for significant future growth.
“I want to thank all staff that have worked on the Adventures titles and wish them and the new owners every success.”
The five key sectors to take priority at the publisher include women’s entertainment and lifestyle, homes, food, fashion, health and beauty, and motoring and trader.
With more titles, such as Baby, Mother, Money and Rugby League Week, also not fitting into these categories, more magazines cuts are likely to take place. Cosmopolitan has been tipped to be the next to face the axe after poor sales circulation results.
The deal is expected to be finalised at the end of November with existing Trader staff who work directly on the brands transitioning over to the new business.
Gallagher, who becomes CEO of Adventures Group Holdings, adds: “The Adventures business has a rich heritage based on inspiring and credible content and we see that as a terrific platform from which to build a highly successful business.
"Unlike investing in a startup, the Adventures Group begins day one with the existing team of talented people, our well respected brands and established client relationships across the caravan, camping and regional tourism markets."
In January Bauer closed iconic title Cleo. Then in February, SBS-owned Feast Magazine closed it doors. In September 2015, Bauer was also forced to axe its Zoo Weekly magazine and website as a result of “tough retail conditions”.
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