These magazines fall into three B2B sectors: aviation, automotive and transport, and entertainment.
They are: Business Airport International, Business Jet International, Aircraft Interiors International, Aerospace Testing International, Air Traffic Technology, Traffic Technology International, Industrial Vehicle Technology International, Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology, Vehicle Dynamics International, Railway Interiors International, Stadia and Auditoria.
This is the second major acquisition that the Mark Allen Group has made in the last six months. In November 2018, the group acquired a number of music brands, comprising Opera Now, International Piano, Classical Music, Choir & Organ, Music Teacher and Teaching Drama, along with its Music and Drama Expo, to sit in its stable comprising Gramophone, Jazzwise and Songlines.
Mark Allen, the chairman of the group, explained that the new magazines will be housed in the company’s Dartford offices, alongside existing magazines like Ground Handling International, Ramp Equipment News, Air Logistics International and a whole host of other B2B brands. He said that the aim was to complete by the end of April “though nothing is over till the legal process is complete”.
He added: “It’s been a joy dealing with Tony Robinson, the owner of UKi Media & Events, and his MD Graham Johnson. Tony has been hugely successful, and it’s very important to him that his magazines go to a very good home, which share similar editorial and production values. His publications are all very successful niche products, which will add considerably to our own aviation stable, as well as opening up new avenues for us in automotive and transport.”
Chief executive officer Ben Allen said: “These are excellent brands which fit very well with us. We were immensely impressed by the 20 or so staff who will be coming with the magazines. I look forward to seeing both the brands and the staff continue to blossom under our ownership.”
Owner Tony Robinson went on: “Over the last 20 years our business has transitioned from being primarily a magazine publishing entity to an international trade shows company, hence our decision to divest ourselves of some of our titles at this stage. I've spent a lot of time with Mark Allen making sure that the titles he's acquiring will fit his business and prosper under his ownership which I have every confidence will be the case. His company has a fantastic history and I regard him highly. In fact, I've nicknamed him “The Last Emperor of The Magazines’ Industry.”
