London media group forms new company in acquisition of specialist magazine

A London media company has acquired a specialist farming magazine after a lengthy transfer period.

Mark Allen Group (MAG), which also owns music, medical and childcare media brands, and 100 magazines, has completed its acquisition of Farmers Weekly.

The 85-year-old brand has been sold by Reed Business Information (RBI), part of RELX, following a months-long trading process.

A new company, MA Agriculture, has been formed to accommodate the brand, with 55 members of staff transferring under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations.

CEO of Mark Allen Group, Ben Allen said: “Farming is going through an interesting rationalisation.

“Farmers Weekly is ideally placed to help progressive farmers undertaking such transformation.

“I’m immensely proud of the acquisition and the opportunities which lie ahead.”

Mark Allen, the founder and chairman of MAG, added: “This has been a long process, but negotiations have been extraordinarily smooth.

“I would particularly like to thank RELX for the professional and amicable way they have negotiated this deal.”