Gateshead publisher changes hands in seven-figure buyout

Gateshead publisher Kingfisher Media has changed hands in a seven-figure management buyout.

Colin Cameron, who founded the business in 2007, sold his majority shareholding to co-director Ian Heads for an undisclosed sum.

Kingfisher publishes a portfolio of over 70 visitor guides for cities and regions around the UK and Ireland, both in print and online. The firm employs a team of 25 at its Team Valley office.

In 2006, founder Colin sold his previous publishing business to Ten Alps plc, the media company set up by singer-songwriter Bob Geldof.

Colin said: “Ian and I have worked together growing two businesses for more than 15 years now, and I couldn’t be leaving the business in better hands.

“Kingfisher Media has developed an excellent reputation for publishing excellence in our sector, and I look forward to watching the company go from strength to strength under Ian’s leadership, and with the assistance of our top-class staff.”

Ian Heads commented: “I am delighted to be taking the business to the next level by further growing our superb national portfolio of visitor guides and in the new year a brand new, fully mobile-optimised website to complement the guides and to allow us to compete in the digital world.”