This groundbreaking deal marries the innovative "freemium" publishing approach of the UK’s Shortlist Media with the internationally respected finesse and market power of Groupe Marie Claire, say the publishers.
Stylist is scheduled for a nationwide French launch in spring 2013. It will be distributed in nine cities from launch, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux and Strasbourg, with a target launch ABC of 400,000 copies per week. Alongside the print edition, Stylist will also exist from launch as a full, interactive tablet version.
The upcoming launch follows a 12-month period of intense development and research with stylish, professional women in France.
The Editor of Stylist France is Aude Walker, previously of the Glamour launch team. She has written for many magazines including Be and Technikart and is the author of two award winning novels. Editor-at-Large is Audrey Diwan. She spent 9 years at Glamour, first as Culture Editor, then as Features Editor.
Advertising Director is Claire Deremaux, who is Advertising Director on Votre Beauté and previously worked at Marie Claire.
The team is led by Gwenaelle Thebault, Publisher and Managing Director of Stylist France.
Previously Marketing Director of Group Marie Claire, Gwenaelle has worked in media businesses across Europe including Canal+ and Disney.
Arnaud de Contades, Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Marie Claire says: "We are a company that has long been committed to innovation built around our strong magazine brands. The launch of Stylist in France is an unmissable opportunity to be the first to launch into the dynamic freemium market. I look forward to working with the Shortlist Media team to make Stylist in France a major success."
Jean-Paul Lubot, Associate Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Marie Claire says: "I am very excited about this launch. In Britain, Stylist has become a magazine loved by its readers and respected by advertisers. Our research shows the huge potential in the French market for an intelligent and stylish title that is handed to ambitious, professional women.”
Tim Ewington, International Director and Co-Founder of Shortlist Media says: "We could not hope to have a better partner than Groupe Marie Claire for our first international joint venture. Groupe Marie Claire is one of the best known and most successful global players in luxury media. Its experience of the French market and our experience establishing the freemium model in Britain will be a winning combination."
Mike Soutar (pictured), CEO and Co-Founder of Shortlist Media says: "Having created such a powerful magazine as Stylist in a market as competitive as the UK, we're confident that this is a brand that can thrive in many markets across the world. I'm thrilled to be working with Groupe Marie Claire – a company I have admired and respected for many years as we take our first steps internationally."
