UBM considers B2B title sell-offs
B2B media and events company UBM is considering selling at least three of its remaining UK trade titles as it continues to reduce its portfolio of print-centric brands, reports TheMediaBriefing.
TheMediaBriefing has learned from multiple sources close to the company that staff from Property Week, Building Design and Travel Trade Gazette were called to a meeting to discuss “strategic options” on Friday afternoon, including but not limited to the sale of the brands and related events.
It’s unclear whether UBM would consider a sale of the three brands individually or together – but sources tell us that Building magazine is not for sale, largely due to its synergies with the Ecobuild expo business, which UBM bought in a deal worth up to £51 million in 2011.
These are big, serious brands with money-making events attached and significant subscription revenue although like every other B2B publisher, UBM has struggled to maintain advertising income. However, that they don’t fit with UBM’s grand plan doesn’t make these titles undesirable to potential investors.
