Future plc set to acquire five specialist titles from Haymarket Media Group

Future plc, the global platform for specialist media, has announced the proposed acquisition of five specialist consumer titles from Haymarket Media Group in a deal worth up to £14m.

The five titles are What Hi-Fi?, Stuff, FourFourTwo, Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome. The titles generated revenue of £12m in the last financial year to June 2017.

Future said that the acquisition will present organic growth opportunities by leveraging and expanding brands and content through Future’s platform

What Hi-Fi? Will help extend existing brand leadership in consumer technology to lead in the market audio visual, whereas FourFourTwo enters Future into the sport market during this World Cup year.

In addition, Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome build a strong position in specialist subscription magazines for the outdoor leisure market; and Stuff extends Future’s commitment to the men’s lifestyle market.

Future believes that the acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing in the first full year of ownership, driving growth in operating profitability and cash generation.

The transaction is expected to completed in early May following the TUPE consultation process with the relevant staff.

Zillah Byng-Thorne, CEO of Future, said: “This acquisition is a further demonstration of our strategy to develop evergreen content that connects with communities and further diversifies our revenue streams.

“These titles are well established brands with strong market positions that expand and enhance our presence in existing verticals and extend our reach into new communities.

“We have a strong track record of integrating and leveraging acquisitions and we are confident that this deal will be earnings enhancing and drive further growth in operating profitability and cash generation.”