Springer Nature this week announced that it is divesting its consumer media businesses - Scientific American in the United States and Spektrum der Wissenschaft in Germany. The strategic transaction will see Springer Nature focus on its core global publishing business in research, health and education while supporting the long-term development of these brands, says the publisher.
Scientific American and Spektrum der Wissenschaft have long-standing roles in communicating science to broad audiences and hold established positions in their respective markets, Springer Nature continued. The publications are being sold to new owners with strong expertise in consumer media who are well positioned to support their future development.
Frank Vrancken Peeters, chief executive officer of Springer Nature, said: “Scientific American and Spektrum der Wissenschaft are respected and loved science media brands with a long and valued history, and we are grateful to the teams who have built and sustained them. We have taken the time to ensure these strong brands find the right homes—organisations with the consumer media expertise and ambition to invest in their future.”
Springer Nature says it is working with both buyers to ensure continuity in publication.
Scientific American is to be acquired by LabX Media Group, a global science-focused media company. The transaction was due to complete on 24 June 2026.
Springer Nature has reached an agreement to sell Spektrum der Wissenschaft to GeraNova Bruckmann, a Germany-based publishing group. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to complete later in the year.
Financial terms of the transactions have not been disclosed.
Scientific American and Spektrum der Wissenschaft together contributed approximately €25m to Springer Nature group revenues in 2025. Springer Nature says the transactions will not impact its guidance for 2026 and will be slightly accretive to adjusted operating profit in 2027.
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