AKRON, OH – Babcox Media Inc. is pleased to announce its acquisition of Motorcycle Product News (MPN) magazine, effective April 1, 2010. The addition of MPN to Babcox’s extensive portfolio of print publications and related digital properties will extend the company’s reach into the motorcycle and powersports markets. Babcox has acquired the title from Athletic Business Publications Inc., based in Madison, Wis.
Babcox is well-known for publishing highly regarded, insightful publications for the performance, automotive aftermarket, tire industry and commercial trucking markets. The company, founded in 1920 by Edward S. Babcox, today produces 15 print magazines, as well as e-newsletters and other digital publications, in addition to offering custom publishing services, event media services, market research and list rental services.
“While this is a new market for us, the addition of MPN to our lineup of publications will complement and, in some cases, cross over with the many other titles we offer,” said Bill Babcox, chairman, president and CEO of Babcox Media Inc. “We are proud to now include this respected motorcycle and powersports publication among our offerings and are pleased to welcome key members of the MPN staff to the Babcox Media family.”
Founded in 1974, MPN is a 15,000-circulation, BPA-audited magazine dedicated to motorcycle and powersports dealers and retailers. The magazine publishes 12 monthly issues each year, in addition to a digital magazine, a weekly e-newsletter and the www.mpnmag.com Web site.
MPN serves motorcycle and powersports dealers that sell and service the 8.8 million motorcycles in use in the U.S. by focusing on accessories, hard parts and apparel. Recipients of the magazine span the management spectrum – from owners, presidents and partners to parts and sales managers.
In conjunction with the acquisition, MPN Editor Colleen Brousil and Associate Publisher Dean Kelly will be joining the Babcox Media staff.
“I’m very proud to align MPN with the market-leading transportation titles held by Babcox Media,” said Brousil. “MPN readers will continue to receive the product-focused editorial they’ve depended on for the past 36 years, and Babcox Media’s transportation markets will provide MPN advertisers a wider array of marketing and research options.”
According to Peter Brown, president of Athletic Business Publications Inc., the sale of MPN to Babcox Media was well-timed to align with a new strategic focus. “This divestiture was pursued in order to allow Athletic Business to concentrate on its core competencies in the sports, recreation, fitness, pool and spa, and wood flooring B-to-B media markets,” Brown said. “As such, we were pleased to learn of Babcox Media’s desire to expand into the powersports market. It is a win-win for all of us.”
For additional information or to inquire about advertising, contact Dean Kelly at (866) 616-1635 ext. 130 or [email protected]. For editorial opportunities, contact Colleen Brousil at (866) 616-1635 ext. 132 or [email protected].
About Babcox Media Inc.
Babcox Media Inc. (www.babcox.com) is a business-to-business magazine, e-media and custom publishing company serving the performance, automotive aftermarket, tire and commercial trucking markets. The company, founded in 1920 by Edward S. Babcox in Akron, Ohio, produces magazines and e-properties for nearly every segment of these markets. Today, Babcox publishes 15 print properties, 15 Web sites, six electronic newsletters and other Internet-based media, in addition to offering custom publishing services, market research, event media services, live conferences and list rental services.
About Athletic Business Publications Inc.
Founded in 1977, and based in Madison, Wis., Athletic Business Publications Inc. is a full-service business-to-business media company serving the athletic, recreation, fitness, pool and spa and wood flooring industries. In addition to the magazines Athletic Business, AQUA and Hardwood Floors, ABP Inc. hosts the Web sites www.athleticbusiness.com and www.aquamagazine.com and contributes to www.woodfloors.org.
ABP Inc. also produces one of the sports and fitness industries’ largest conventions and expositions, the Athletic Business Conference, to be held this year in San Diego, Dec. 1-4.
